International Encyclopedia of Revolution and Protest

Extract

The Cuban Revolution of 1959 removed a corrupt and increasingly violent dictatorship and set out a program for social transformation and economic development that would favor the working poor of Cuba. While this won the support of that majority, there were clearly those for whom this change was unacceptable. The Batista regime of 1952–8 was notorious for its corruption, disregard for democratic institutions, and close relationship (at least until its final months) with the United States. Initial resistance to the Cuban Revolution came therefore from those who had benefited under Batista. There were those immediately responsible for maintaining the previous regime – the secret police, the torturers, the representatives of US-based organized crime who controlled much of the tourist industry. And there was a broader layer, particularly among the professional classes, who feared the loss of their privileged social position – lawyers, doctors, those in the financial sector, and so on. Privilege in Cuba was also associated with racial stratification and the domination of white Cubans over those with darker skin. Beyond Cuba, initial reactions to the Cuban Revolution were mixed; ironically, the CIA was among those US institutions advocating a rapprochement with Fidel Castro in the early months ( Szulc 1986 : 336; Farber 2006 : 76). But by the time Castro arrived in the US in April ... log in or subscribe to read full text