Causes of the Cuban RevolutionOnline version
Key factors driving Cuba’s revolt.
1
A general cancels Cuba's upcoming presidential election, seizes power in a military coup, and declares himself ruler. Cuban democracy is suspended overnight. Who was this general, and why did his seizure of power ignite deep resentment among Cubans?
2
Cuba's economy was heavily based on sugar. About 75% of Cuba's farmland was owned by either wealthy Cuban elites or foreign corporations — while most rural Cubans worked as poorly-paid labourers on land they would never own. Which term best describes this economic injustice that fuelled revolutionary anger?
3
The United States had enormous economic and political influence over Cuba. American businesses owned utilities, railroads, telephone systems, and sugar mills. The U.S. government supported Batista's regime. How did U.S. dominance contribute to revolutionary sentiment?
4
Batista's secret police (the SIM — Servicio de Inteligencia Militar) tortured and murdered political opponents. Corruption was rampant — police, judges, and officials took bribes. Civil liberties were crushed. How did Batista's repression backfire and strengthen the revolution?
5
A young lawyer named Fidel Castro led 160 rebels in an attack on the Moncada Barracks — Cuba's second-largest military garrison. The attack failed and most rebels were captured or killed. But Castro turned his trial into a platform. What famous declaration did Castro make at his trial, and why did it matter?
6
Havana appeared glamorous — casinos, nightclubs, and luxury hotels catered to wealthy tourists and elites. But nearby, thousands lived in overcrowded slums (cuarterías) without clean water or sanitation. Unemployment ran as high as 25%. How did urban inequality contribute to the revolutionary cause?
7
The University of Havana was a hotbed of political activism. Student groups like the Revolutionary Directorate (Directorio Revolucionario) staged protests, strikes, and even armed attacks on Batista's government. Police shot students on campus grounds. Why were Cuban students such a powerful force in the revolutionary movement?
8
After being released from prison (1955) and exiled, Castro landed in Cuba with just 82 fighters aboard the yacht Granma. Most were killed or scattered. Only about 20 survivors made it to the Sierra Maestra mountains. Yet within two years, this tiny band toppled Batista's army of 40,000. What combination of factors allowed the guerrillas to succeed against such overwhelming odds?
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