Page 42 - All About History 48 - 2017 UK
P. 42
In pictures
FIDELCASTRO
Liberator or dictator? Discover the extra ordinary life
of one of the 20th century’s most influential leaders
henitwasannouncedon25November detested the corruption and American influence Mongoose in 1962 launched countless attacks on
2016 that Cuban ex-president Fidel Batista had let into Cuba. Castro wanted democracy, the state and on Castro himself. He survived a total
Castrohaddied,therewerepartiesin and after his victory he began a literary campaign of 638 assassination attempts by the CIA, which
the street. Many Cubans saw him as to mobilise 100,000 volunteers to teach others how reportedly included deadly fungus, poisoned cigars
W an oppressive ruler who caused much toread.Indeed,in2000,Castrosignedadealwith and Botulinum toxin-laced dive suits.
sufferingforhispeople.Buttherewerealsothose Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez to send doctors in After presiding over Cuba for nearly half a
whomournedthelossofamanwhochampioned exchange for much-needed oil. century, Castro died at the age of 90. He will be
Cubanequalityandsocialjustice. Hewas,however,aprimeenemyoftheUSA. remembered as a controversial figurehead, for
Castroledhisrevolutionwithaguerrillaarmy With a communist state on its doorstep, the changing the face of Cuba forever and for refusing
against US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista, as he USA could not let Cuba prevail, and Operation to be intimidated by superpower nations.
END OF THE REVOLUTION
IN HAVANA, 1959
When they landed in Cuba, many of Castro’s rebels
were killed by Batista’s forces. Castro fled to the
mountains and established a command post, La
Plata, from where he conducted his revolution.
Batista fled; Castro entered Havana in January 1959.
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