Fidel Castro

ModernRevolutionaryCuba1926 — ?

Leader of the Cuban Revolution, ruled Cuba for nearly five decades.

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Quick Facts

Born

1926

Country

Cuba

Era

Modern

Occupation

Revolutionary

Score Overview

Military (10%)30

Political (20%)68

Influence (20%)58

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)70

Strategy (15%)50

Total Score55.7

Fidel Castro — Complete Timeline

1959 AD

Cuban RevolutionWar

Castro led the 26th of July Movement to overthrow the US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista. After a guerrilla campaign, Batista fled on January 1, 1959. Castro became Prime Minister, establishing a socialist state.

RevolutionSocialismCold War

Impact: global

1960 AD

Nationalization of US PropertiesReform◆ Major

Castro's government nationalized all US-owned businesses, including oil refineries, sugar mills, and banks, without compensation. The US responded with a trade embargo that remains in place. This solidified Cuba's socialist economy.

Economic PolicyUS EmbargoSocialism

Impact: regional

1961 AD

Bay of Pigs InvasionWar◆ Major

CIA-trained Cuban exiles invaded Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. Castro's forces defeated the invasion within three days. The failure strengthened Castro's position and pushed Cuba closer to the Soviet Union.

US-Cuba RelationsCold WarMilitary Defeat

Impact: regional

1962 AD

Cuban Missile CrisisPolitical Action

Castro allowed the Soviet Union to station nuclear missiles in Cuba, triggering a 13-day confrontation with the US. The crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. It ended with a US-Soviet agreement to remove missiles.

Nuclear CrisisCold WarUS-Soviet Relations

Impact: global

2008 AD

Castro's Resignation as PresidentPolitical Action◆ Major

Castro resigned as President of Cuba due to health reasons, handing power to his brother Ra

Transition of PowerCubaPolitical Change

Impact: national