In 1959, Fidel Castro led his revolution into Havana and declared himself “Maximum Leader” of Cuba. The previous dictator, Batista fled the country. Mass trials and executions followed.
Although Castro had propagandized his revolution as wanting to restore constitutional procedures, this was false. He actually pursued a radical Marxist policy. He became vehemently anti-American and nationalized all US businesses in Cuba. As early as 1960 Castro made a trade agreement with the Soviet Union which infuriated the US and in 1961 America severed all diplomatic ties with the island nation.
01/01/09 marks the 50th anniversary of the Castro Revolution and although Fidel is no longer in control he is still alive and his brother Raul is President. The Cuban exile community in the United States feels that nothing has changed…..there’s still a Castro in charge!
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz died on 11/25/2016
