L09 - Document - Cuban revolution

Question 1

What historical event is the Moncada Manifesto associated with?

Answer 1

It is a revolutionary declaration by Cuban rebels, written in the context of their opposition to the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, emphasizing the continuation of Cuba’s revolutionary heritage.

Question 2

What unfinished revolutions does the manifesto reference as part of Cuba’s revolutionary heritage?

Answer 2

The revolutions initiated by Carlos Manuel de Céspedes in 1868, José Martí in 1895, and later efforts by figures like Tony Guiteras and Eddy Chibás.

Question 2

What is the central mission of the Cuban Revolution according to the Moncada Manifesto?

Answer 2

To reconquer the Constitution, essential liberties, and inalienable rights of the Cuban people, which had been trampled by dictatorship.

Question 3

How does the manifesto describe the role of Cuban youth in the revolution?

Answer 3

The “Youth of the Centenary” is described as vibrant, rebellious, and determined to honor Martí’s unrealized dream with sacrifice and triumph.

Question 4

What principles does the Moncada Manifesto claim the revolution is based on?

Answer 4

It is rooted in the probity of Cuban men, the teachings of Martí, and the ideals of justice, honor, and national dignity.

Question 5

What does the Moncada Manifesto promise regarding violence?

Answer 5

It states that the revolution does not pursue hate or unnecessary bloodshed but aims to save the probity of Cuba.

Question 5

What historical figures are mentioned in the manifesto as inspirations for the revolution?

Answer 5

Céspedes, Agramonte, Maceo, Martí, Mella, Guiteras, Trejo, and Chibás.

Question 6

Which ideological and historical foundations does the revolution embrace according to the manifesto?

Answer 6

-Martí’s ideals, speeches, and the principles of the Cuban Revolutionary Party.

-The Manifesto of Montecristi.

Revolutionary programs of Joven Cuba, -A.B.C. Radical, and the Partido del Pueblo Cubano (Ortodoxo).

Question 6

How does the manifesto describe the role of past and future generations in the revolution?

Answer 6

It gathers the sacrifices of past generations, the determination of present generations, and dedicates itself to the life and well-being of future generations.

Question 6

How does the Moncada Manifesto view Cuba’s relationship with other nations in the Americas?

Answer 6

It respects free nations of America that have achieved economic liberty and social justice through sacrifices, aspiring to add Cuba to this collective progress.

Question 7

What vision does the manifesto outline for Cuba’s future?

Answer 7

It envisions a “New Republic” built on love, fraternity, and cooperation among all Cubans, prioritizing the welfare of future generations.

Question 8

What does the Moncada Manifesto identify as the ultimate goal of the Cuban Revolution?

Answer 8

To complete the Cuban Revolution that began in 1853 with Martí’s birth and to establish an illuminated Republic by 1953.

Question 9

Under what three symbolic names does the Moncada Manifesto declare its revolutionary mission?

Answer 9

1.In the name of the Martyrs.

2.In the name of the sacred rights of the Fatherland.

3.For the honor of the Centennial.

Question 9

What was the background of the group that planned the attack on Batista’s regime?

Answer 9

The group was composed of young men without military experience, driven by patriotism and willingness to sacrifice their lives for their cause.

Question 10

What were some of the challenges faced in organizing the attack against Batista?

Answer 10

The group had to organize, train, mobilize, and arm men under a repressive regime that spent millions on espionage, bribery, and surveillance.

Question 10

When did the attack on Batista’s regime begin, and what cities were involved?

Answer 10

The attack began at 5:15 AM on July 26, 1953, simultaneously in Santiago de Cuba and Bayamo.

Question 11

What caused the attack to fail despite its initial precision and coordination?

Answer 11

A significant portion of the forces, including those with the heavier weapons, went astray at the entrance to Santiago and were not present at the decisive moment.

Question 12

Who were some key participants in the attack, and what roles did they play?

Answer 12

-Abel Santamaría led 21 men to occupy the Civilian Hospital.

-Raúl Castro led 10 men to occupy the Palace of Justice.

-Fidel Castro led the main assault with 95 men.

Question 13

How did Castro describe the aftermath for those captured during the attack?

Answer 13

Many were executed but faced death with true heroism.

Question 14

What did Castro warn the judges about during his defense speech?

Answer 14

He warned that while they were judging him at that moment, they themselves would be judged repeatedly by history.

Question 15

What does Castro say about the Cuban people’s sense of justice?

Answer 15

The Cuban people despise favoritism and inequality, valuing justice as an implacable and logical force.

Question 16

What historical principle did Castro invoke to justify rebellion?

Answer 16

The right to rebellion against tyranny, which has been recognized throughout history by people of all creeds and doctrines.

Question 17

What critique does Castro make of Batista’s regime?

Answer 17

He condemned Batista’s regime as illegitimate, gained through treachery and force, and characterized by oppression, bloodshed, and injustice.

Question 18

What argument did Castro use to highlight the duty of Cubans?

Answer 18

He stated that being Cuban implies a duty to defend freedom, justice, and human rights, taught to them since childhood.

Question 19

What ideals were taught to Cuban children that Castro emphasized in his speech?

Answer 19

-To venerate heroes and martyrs of Cuban history.

-To cherish the flag and sing the National Anthem, which values dying for one’s homeland over living in chains.

Question 19

How did Castro view imprisonment under Batista’s rule?

Answer 19

He considered it an honor to join his comrades in prison, stating that honest men were either dead or imprisoned in a republic ruled by a criminal president.

Question 20

How did Castro conclude his defense plea?

Answer 20

He accepted imprisonment and persecution, stating, “Condemn me. It does not matter. History will absolve me.”

Question 20

What determines victory when the old order begins to break down?

Answer 20

The working class and urban masses join the struggle and decide the battle at a critical moment.

Question 20

How does Fidel Castro respond to accusations that Cuba exports its revolution?

Answer 20

Castro states, “Revolutions are not exported, they are made by the people.” Cuba provides an example, not exports, showing that revolution is possible and achievable by the people.

Question 21

What does the Cuban Revolution teach, according to Castro?

Answer 21

It teaches that revolution is possible, people can achieve it, and no forces in the contemporary world can halt the liberation movements of the people.

Question 22

What conditions made the Cuban Revolution inevitable?

Answer 22

The Revolution arose from socio-economic realities, such as exploitation by Yankee monopolies, oppressive oligarchies, and unbearable conditions for laborers and peasants.

Question 23

Which social class does Castro highlight as crucial in the struggle for national liberation?

Answer 23

The peasants, who live in subhuman conditions and often form the absolute majority of the population in Latin American countries.

Question 23

Why does political power appear solid in countries with extreme exploitation and Yankee control?

Answer 23

Dictatorships adopt brutal repression to maintain control, closing democratic paths and repressing discontent, making revolutionary explosions inevitable.

Question 24

What happens as small revolutionary combat units gain strength?

Answer 24

They are continually reinforced by new forces, mass movements loosen bonds, and the old order begins to collapse.

Question 24

Why are peasants a “tremendous potential revolutionary force” in Latin America?

Answer 24

Their oppression and numbers make them key players, and their irregular warfare tactics can demoralize and defeat conventional armies.

Question 25

How do conventional armies fare against revolutionary peasants?

Answer 25

They are ineffective, losing ten soldiers for every revolutionary fighter and failing to adapt to guerrilla tactics on the peasants’ terrain.

Question 25

What are the living conditions of the rural population in Latin America, as described by Castro?

Answer 25

The rural population often works on haciendas for miserable wages or under exploitative conditions comparable to feudal times.

Question 26

What makes revolutionary fighters invincible despite their enemies’ superior numbers and resources?

Answer 26

The unwavering and growing aid of the people, which sustains and strengthens the revolutionaries.