Eq: "how And Why Did Fidel Castro Rise To Power In 1959?"

Front 1

INTRO

Back 1

- personification of hope came to power in 1959 after Fulgencio Batista's repressive rule
- causes can be divided into long term (people's dissatisfaction), short term Castro's use of mass media as well as resolutionary actions) and immediate causes (actual guerilla coup)

Front 2

Main argument

Back 2

rose to power by picking ther perfect time for his revolts and by offering an alternative leadership when people were looking for it

Front 3

1st para: long term cause

Back 3

Sebastian Balfour
"Castro stepped into a power vacuum that was not entirely of his making."
- unpopularity of Batista's rule and the lack of a genuine alternative to his regime, contributed to Castro's rise to power
- problematic situation in Cuba caused by the unpopularity of Batista's rule
- economic problems: decline in sugar prices, unemployment, poor housing
- repressive nature of Batista's regime
- increased opposition
- people demanded freedom and democracy
- searching for an alternative leadership but political parties did not offer that
Louis Perez
" Cuba's two principal parties became irrelevant to a solution of the political crises."

Front 4

2nd Para: short-term cause

Back 4

- Castro's rising popularity, offered a totally new, revolutionary movement, openly opposed Batista's regime, represented the revolution
1. History will absolve me speech
2. Moncada Barracks, failed but provided him with the opportunity to gain the attention of fellow citizens, establishement of the 26th July movement, people felt Entourage to take action
3. Granma expedition, turn failor into a success as the Rebel Army emerged from the survivors
--> establishment of the revolution, made people aware of Castro's support and leadership, revolution speard all over the country
LIMITATIONS: Batista presented revolutionisis as agressors, US did not support revolution due to their fear of Kommunist expansion

Front 5

3rd para: short term cause

Back 5

1.
Louis Perez
"Revolutionaries were celebrities, folk heroes and the hope of the hopeful."
extreme loyal followers and representatives of the revolution who did their best to soread the 26th July Movement all over the country
- martyrs for hope, heroes and idols
- Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, icon for the revolution
2.
Eric Selben, "Charismatic figures represent the people's needs and aspirations in a vision of the future."
power of his leadership
- knew how to get and unite people
- charisma and honest
- History will absolve me speech, states his aims clearly, "revolutionary government with the backing of the people", "industrialise the country", "olve the housing Problem", "undertake the integral Reform of the educational system"
- aims were achievable
3. Sierra Mountains
- held what he had promised to the people
- use of mass media, "Rebel Radio"
Success!!! in 5 years had gained massive public support from all social classes and he emerged as a figure of hope as all revolutionists were following the common aim of overthrowing Batista and accpeting Castro's leadership
Leo Hubeman
"Nearly all classes of the population had identified themselves with the 26th of July Movement

Front 6

4th para: immediate cause

Back 6

- Castro's superiority had created the right situation for the final coup
- clever guerilla tactics