Area of Research: What Were the Causes of the Cuban Revolution and Why Was It Successful?

Area of Research: What were the causes of the Cuban Revolution and why was it successful?

RATIO

The reason I chose this topic is because of my passion to discover what really happened during the Cuban revolution and to create my own judgement on what transpired. I am very passionate about the history of the Caribbean and this topic really helped me in my endeavour to increase my knowledge on the history of Cuba.

INTRODUCTION

The Cuban revolution was an armed revolution consolidated by Fidel Castro the leader of the 26th July movement against the regime of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista. The revolution began in July 1953 and finally ended Batista on 1st January 1959, replacing his regime with Castro's revolutionary government. Castro's government later reformed along communist lines becoming the present communist party in Cuba. This SBA will examine the causes of the Castro Revolution as well as the reasons why the Castro revolution succeeded.

The main cause of the Cuban revolution was the dissatisfaction of the Cuban population toward the Batista government. Batista was the head of a very corrupt government. He came to prominence in Cuba during the Sergeant's revolt in 1933. He and some university students and professors led a revolt that overthrew Gerardo Machado. Batista then ruled behind a series of puppet presidents until 1940 when he was elected as president. He lost power in 1944 but came back to power in 1952 after he organised a coup to overthrow Carlos Prio Sacarras.

During his second term in office Batista was very repressive. He became a dictator and abused his political power in numerous ways. He abolished the Cuban constitution, dissolved parliament and outlawed the Cuban communist party. Also, Batista did not tolerate any opposition. In 1955, Batista strengthened his undemocratic actions by censoring the media, legalizing violence, suspending the rights of citizens and restricting the freedom of movement around the country. Batista controlled the army and used them as his strength and protection and to enforce his dominance as the president. They also acted as his eyes and ears. They kept him informed about everything.

However, gradually, many Cubans became displeased with Batista's actions and his way of governing the country. Opposition to him grew daily and an increasing number of people saw it fit to protest or rise up against the Batista regime. Batista responded to these uprisings by placing harsh punishments on any strikes or anti-government rallies and sent troops to kill the rebel leaders. These violent and ruthless actions by the Batista government created even more tension between the Batista government and the Cuban masses.

Another reason why the Cubans were fed up of Batista was because he allowed the Americans to dominate Cuban affairs. Cuba was considered to be the backyard of America. After the Spanish American Cuban war Cuba basically came under US control and influence. Under the Platt Amendment the U.S had the right to intervene in Cuba to restore and maintain law, order and peace in the country. Batista earned the support of the U.S government, which he used to rise to power and remain in power. American business also flourished due to their dominance and ties with Batista. 42.7% of the sugar plantations in Cuba were American owned.

Another major contributing factor to the Cuban revolt was the economic struggle that Cubans had to face. Many people lived in poverty. Rather than being a president who looked out for the best interests of the Cubans masses and worked towards meeting these interests he did the complete opposite. Under Batista wages were very low. At the time, the largely rural population had an average annual income per person of $91.25- an eight of that of Mississippi which was the poorest state in the U.S.A. Along with the peasants, 30,000 teachers and professors, 20,000 small businessmen were weighed down by debts. Also, the unemployment rate was really high as 600,000 Cubans were unemployed. Of that 600,000 Cubans 10,000 were young professionals.

Poverty was a way of life for most Cubans. Because of the lack of money housing conditions were deplorable. The 500,000 farm laborers lived in miserable shacks and broken up houses and 100,000 farmers lived on the field without shelter. In terms of diet only 11% of Cuba drank milk and 4% ate meat. In terms of utilities only 2-3% had running water and 9.1% had electricity. Under Batista public development and welfare were at a stand still.

Education was another huge problem in Cuba at the time. The illiteracy rate of Cuba was 76% under Batista. Very few schools were built especially in the countryside and there was a lack of teachers. Few opportunities were presented to