The Cuban Revolution
The Cuban Revolution was a 1950s armed uprising led by Fidel Castro that overthrew Cuba's government, establishing a communist state just miles from the United States.
Launched by a small band of revolutionaries who initially seemed to have little chance of success, this uprising ultimately toppled a government and installed a communist state that would confront the United States for the following six decades.
Castro's Guerrilla Campaign
Fidel Castro led a small guerrilla movement against the government of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, beginning with a failed attack in 1953 before eventually building broader popular support.
Overthrowing Batista
Castro's forces achieved victory on January 1, 1959, forcing Batista to flee the country and establishing a new revolutionary government under Castro's leadership.
Turning Toward Communism
Castro's government gradually aligned itself with the Soviet Union, adopting communist governance and nationalizing significant American business interests on the island.
A Lasting Confrontation with the U.S.
The revolution established a communist government just 90 miles from Florida, leading to decades of tension with the United States, including the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
