The+emergence+of+Castro;+aims,+ideology,+support

__How Castro Came To Power__

Fidel Castro shared the same view with many Cubans, concerning the American involvement in their internal affairs. This view was more of a resentment, that dated back to 1898 when the USA assisted Cuba in gaining independence from Spanish control. Since then, the Americans insisted on keeping their troops there to maintain security and a stable life in Cuba. The Americans had also kept financial aid and investment in the Cuban economy, and it can even be said that the USA controlled the economy in Cuba. They owned big interests in big industries of Cuba, such as that of sugar, tobacco, textiles, iron, nickel, and many others. In addition, half of the land, three fifths of the railways, all electricity production and the telephone system was owned and controlled by the United States. The American's huge influence in Cuba created this great resentment among the Cuban citizens, including Fidel Castro. Because Castro had a matching view of that of many Cubans, this helped him gain support in his rise to power.

Castro emerged from law school as a politician with a great passion for social justice. By the time Fulgencio Batista came to power in a military coup d'état in 1952, Castro was known for his passionate nationalistic view, as well as his great resentment towards the United States and the excess of their involvement in Cuba's internal affairs. When Batista started to rule as a dictator, Castro made an attempt to oppose him with a petition called //Zarpazo//, which was rejected and Castro was denied a hearing. It was then when a violent revolution was felt to be necessary. Castro aimed to rid Cuba of the brutal Batista and his corruption, and introduce new land reforms that would allow ever peasant some land. After a failed attack on Batista's Moncada Barracks in 1952, Castro began a campaign of guerrilla warfare and sabotage in many Cuban cities. Castro's support was increasing, because as these cities were taken under his control, his favored land reform policies were established. Batista's reaction ultimately assisted Castro in his fight again Batista himself, for he tortured and murdered captured guerrillas and suspects. Most of the people of Cuba began to see Castro the sole method of ridding Cuba of this brutal dictator. As Castro became stronger and more powerful, Batista's troops faltered, and the United States cut off arms supplies to Batista in embarrassment towards his behavior. With help from his Argentinian supporter, Che Guevara, Castro's rebellion prevailed, forcing Batista to flee Cuba on the first day of 1959, after which a liberal government was installed with Castro leading it.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidel_Castro

Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe

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 * Cuban Revolution video:** http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5b8aX9gKOI