Historical Context
The U.S. policy, introduced in 1823, that opposed further European colonisation in the Americas.
What is the Monroe Doctrine?
He took power in 1952 in a military coup, cancelling elections.
Who is Fulgencio Batista?
This failed 1953 attack marked the symbolic beginning of Castro’s revolution.
What is the Moncada Barracks attack?
This type of warfare is characterised by mobility, hit-and-run tactics, and sabotage.
What is guerrilla warfare?
This man led the revolution and became Cuba’s leader for nearly five decades.
Who is Fidel Castro?
This amendment allowed the U.S. to intervene in Cuban affairs after independence.
What is the Platt Amendment?
In Batista’s Cuba, this wealthy country dominated Cuba’s economy and politics.
What is the USA?
This infamous 1953 speech by Fidel Castro, given at his trial
What is "History Will Absolve Me"
This mountain range was home to Castro’s guerrilla base.
What is the Sierra Maestra?
This Cuban general and politician ruled as a dictator from 1952 to 1959.
Who is Fulgencio Batista?
Known as the "Apostle of Cuban Independence", he died fighting the Spanish in 1895.
Who is José Martí?
Following the coup, this basic political right was banned.
What is the right to vote? (or: What are elections?)
This small, weather-beaten yacht brought 82 rebels from Mexico to Cuba in 1956.
What is Granma?
Che Guevara built this rebel radio station to spread propaganda and updates.
What is Radio Rebelde?
This Argentine doctor became a central revolutionary leader and wrote Guerrilla Warfare.
Who is Che Guevara?
This 1898 treaty ended Spanish control of Cuba and increased U.S. influence.
What is the Treaty of Paris?
This organisation had close ties with Batista’s government and Havana casinos.
What is the Mafia?
This symbolic name was given to Castro’s revolutionary group, based on the date of the failed Moncada attack.
What is the 26th of July Movement?
Rather than execute captured Batista soldiers, Castro’s forces often did this, which helped undermine the regime’s authority.
What is release them to gain support and seize their weapons?
This revolutionary, known for his charisma and tactical skill, mysteriously died in a 1959 plane crash.
Who is Camilo Cienfuegos?
This social institution left a lasting racial and cultural legacy, with 65% of Cubans descended from those it oppressed.
What is slavery?
This group, often rural and poor, lacked access to electricity, healthcare, and education, and became a key support base for the revolutionaries.
Who are Cuban Peasants?
After the failed landing in 1958, only this many rebels reached the Sierra Maestra mountains.
What is 17?
In his book Guerrilla Warfare, Che Guevara argued that guerrilla fighters were not just soldiers, but this kind of change-maker.
What is a social reformer?
This lesser-known but powerful figure led rebel troops, later implemented economic reforms, and succeeded his brother as president.
Who is Raul Castro?