Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution.
After Fulgencio Batista and Zaldivar seized control of the Cuban government in 1952, Fidel Castro became a leader of an underground anti-government fraction. A year later he was jailed for having led the 26th uprising against Batista. In 1955 he was released and went into exile in the United States and Mexico. He returned to Cuba in 1956 and led a rebellion of Oriente Province. Soon Castro won steadily increasing popular support, with his rebel forces; known as the 26th of July Movement. A few years later Batista fled the country, and assuming power Castro took control on February 16.
Cuba would soon undergo the biggest change that would last forever. Castro's position as a dictator transformed Cuba into a communist country. .
According to the Book of Knowledge, Castro came to power as a nationalist, but soon began to move toward communism. He opposed that the United States had extensive business interests in Cuba. Castro nationalized foreign companies, and signed trade agreements with the Soviet Union. The United States ended any relation with Cuba in 1961. The United States also backed up a group of Cuban exiles on an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow Castro at the Bay of Pigs. (133).
The Cuban people were affected psychologically by Castro's harsh changes. He changed everything, everyday ministers, offices, plans, and streets. These were not structural changes, or in the nature of things, but instead these changes were all cosmetic. Another words, Cuba would be Castro's reflection. He abolished several holidays, which brought discomfort to these who were so used to these traditional customs. Easter, Christmas, New Year's Eve, the Epiphany, and the Carnival were all abolished. All these celebrations were a time to get together with family and friends. It was always a time to have fun with music, dance and delicious food.
