Shoot myself: the series Flashcards
Castro’s manifestos (1)
Herbert Matthews, Castro inspired patriotism, similar Marti and Antonio Guiteras, who advocated for a program of radical reforms with vague social undertones
Castro’s manifestos (2)
“Manifesto of the revolutionaries of Moncada to the Nation” (23rd of July 1953) > nationalist traditions: independence from foreign control, social justice based on the economy, industrial modernization and restoration of 1940 constitution
Castro’s manifestos (3)
“History will absolve me” speech (16th of oct 1953), developed these ideas further: promises of agrarian reform, rent reduction, expansion of education and healthcare and taking control of public utilities (mostly in the hands of US companies.)
Batista’s reverse (1)
By 1955; US was using the CIA to implement pro-US countries in Latin America. For fears of being “too socialist” Batista reversed long awaited labor reforms, using the corrupt judiciary and politicians to maintain his power and suppress his opposition. To the people, he was simply another imperialist oppressor.
Batista’s reverse (2)
When in comparison to the promises made in Castro’s “Manifesto of the revolutionaries of Moncada to the Nation”, which promoted social reforms under a nationalist overtone, Batista seemed worse in comparison.
Distance between Castro and communism
In 1956; Castro refuted Batista’s claims he was communist through an article where he denounced Batista’s links to the communist party, particularly that his election victory in 1940 was due to support from the communists. The PSP were calling on non-violent opposition to Batista which Castro did not want. Their collaboration in the 1950s also made them unpopular.
Attack on the Moncada Barracks
Fidel Castro and his brother Raúl planned an uprising against Batista’s regime. With 160 young rebels, Castro attacked the Moncada Barracks near Santiago of Oriente. The plan failed, with them not being able to take over the barracks and 19 soldiers and policemen died with 27 wounded, with 6 attackers killed and 15 others wounded in the fight. With evidence that the 56 of the attackers were killed after the fight, there was a scandal > Castro Bros to trial > Castro openly admitted to his role in the attack and justified it by pointing out the illegal nature of Batista’s regime This gave him a national platform. His desire for a more open, fair society that ends the corruption stuck with the working class. His eloquence and courage in the trial won more supporters and embarrassed Batista.
Batista’s opression (1)
By 1955, Batista’s regime was becoming more unpopular and his responses to the increasing protests were to be more repressive. A cycle of violence ensued, with even more protests and bombings with more government repression.
Batista’s oppression (2)
During the fights in Castro’s revolution (1956-1959), the army’s harsh methods of interrogation contrasted the Fidelista’s strict instructions to avoid brutality with civilians or captured army soldiers. The torture and murder of prisoners was forbidden and, if allowed, enemy wounds could be treated. It made the people favor Castro’s more empathetic nature in comparison to Batista’s more oppressive one.
Frank País death
Castro’s plan required an uprising in Santiago and simultaneous attack on the Moncada Barracks once the Granma expedition landed. However, due to the delayed journey and poor communications, the attack was launched two days too early. Frank País rebel engaged in the army and police, but without Castro, they could not win. After 30 hours of sporadic fighting, they withdrew. Paìs’s resistance cells had been the hub for the M-26-7 organization in the Oriente province and his murder by the police in July 1957 in Santiago sparked a strike that soon spread to the provinces of Camagüey and Las Villas. Batista reacted by suspending constitutional rights, playing into the hands of those who labeled him an undemocratic dictator
Fidelistas and the peasants
Instructed to treat peasants kindly and with respect to get them to support Castro. Castro and Guevara insisted on teaching them literacy and providing medical assistance. Gathered the harvest for the peasants. Tried and punished corrupt landlords + punished rebels that mistreated the peasants. Turned passive support into active support by mid-1957
Rebels undertaking paramilitary operations
The urban rebel force kidnapped famous race car driver Juan Manuel Fangio from a Havana hotel in broad daylight. Upon his release, Fangio spoke of the humane treatment he had received. Later the rebels would kidnap a busload of American sailors and marines in order to pressure Batista to stop indiscriminate bombing of rebel villages. The idea was to get the United States to perceive the Batista regime as ineffective and savage. The propaganda campaign ultimately swayed the United States to halt all arms shipments to Batista in March 1958.
The Rebel Radio
The “Radio Rebelde” was used to directly speak with the Cuban people, speaking on the latest updates on the conflict and included mantra such as speeches and manifestos. In contrast to the regular Cuban media, Radio Rebelde told all the news, good or bad. Because Batista suppressed the truth, Castro could afford to tell it. The Cuban people trusted Rebelde and its audience grew to massive proportions. Leading to support for Castro, giving his supporters resources, money and even their lives; with the Fidelistas numbering 3000. Remarkable from the initial 18. April 9, 1958; anti-Batista forces tried to paralyze the economy by urging strikes in Havana. Radio Rebelde was used to used to inspire and urge people to join the strike
Herbert. L Matthews
Journalist for NYT who interviewed Castro in the Sierra Maestra mountains in ‘57
wrote articles that portrayed him as a heroic figure and the Cuban revolution as a legitimate struggle. With comments such as “radical, democratic and therefore anti-communist” helped to raise the profile of the revolution in the international media and attract support from sympathizers, but was criticized by some for its biased portrayal.
Castro
He was a popular leader due to his speech skills and his simple message of heroism and action, which especially resonated with youth movements during his time as he wanted to do something unlike the passive opposition of other groups. His characteristics and skills, along with his promises, aided his success in the emergence of his own authoritarian state. Castro, despite his higher class and race, was still able to speak to the majority of Cuba through his ideas of social reform, especially against Batista’s unpopular government
