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Fidel Castro

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description Fidel Castro Overview

Fidel Castro was a Cuban revolutionary and politician who governed Cuba after the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista in 1959. He served first as prime minister and later as president, transferring presidential authority to his brother Raúl Castro in 2008. Under his leadership, Cuba became a one-party socialist state aligned with the Soviet Union, nationalized major industries, and played a central role in Cold War events including the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

help Fidel Castro FAQ

How did Fidel Castro come to power in Cuba?

Castro led the 26th of July Movement's armed struggle that ended Fulgencio Batista's government in early 1959. He became Cuba's prime minister on February 16, 1959. [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/689ff0ed1151e9b9411310d9c948830e)

What positions did Fidel Castro hold before Raúl Castro took over?

Fidel Castro served as prime minister from 1959 to 1976 and then as president from 1976 to 2008. He transferred presidential authority to his brother Raúl Castro in 2008. [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/689ff0ed1151e9b9411310d9c948830e)

What happened in Fidel Castro's Moncada Barracks attack?

On July 26, 1953, Castro and his followers attacked the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba, but the attempt failed and Castro was captured. The date later gave its name to the 26th of July Movement. [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/1b669aeab28c1740fff50958e508192c9)

Which policies defined Fidel Castro's government?

His government introduced agrarian reform, nationalized major private businesses, and organized a nationwide literacy campaign in 1961. Cuba also aligned with the Soviet Union, intensifying its Cold War conflict with the United States. [Associated Press](https://apnews.com/article/1b669aeab28c1740fff50958e508192c9)