Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro

I. In The Beginning

A. Fidel Castro was born August 13, 1926. He was born to Angel Castro Argiz who was a Galician immigrant who became rather wealthy through his sugar plantation. His mother, Lina Ruz Gonzalez, was a house servant who was never married.

B. Political Beginnings

a. In 1945, Castro went to law school at University of Havana. He immediately became involved and studied politics. He was not a fan of the United States and how Americans used Cuba basically as their own backyard. After Batista took control of Cuba as the de facto leader, Castro abandoned his law practice and formed an underground formation of supporters. They all began planning the overthrow of Batista. They began to gather weapons and were planning an assault on Batista's largest garrison outside of Santiago de Cuba. They attacked Moncada barracks on July 26, 1953.

C. Rising to Power

a. On January 8, 1959, Castro's army strolled victoriously through Havana. On January 8, he rolled into Havana ready to assume his position as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. On February 16, 1959, Castro was sworn into the leadership of Cuba and assumed power. He visited the U.S. for a couple days shortly after his rise to power but was denied a meeting with President Roosevelt. After the visit to the United States, he headed out to the Soviet Union.

D. Soviet Relations- In 1960, Castro began to buy oil from the Soviets. When the U.S. owned refineries in Cuba refused to pump the oil, Castro had them kicked out. The U.S. then cut ties with Cuba and Castro.

E. Bay Of Pigs

a. In April of 1961, around 1,400 CIA trained exiled Cuban rebels, landed at the Bay of Pigs. However the Cuban forces defeated the rebels killing many and capturing over a thousand.

F. Castro