Strongman Batista

     Strongman Batista showed the Cuban people what it was like to be colonized and ruled by other countries. During his six years of presidency he allowed Cuba to be a “puppet” to other countries (1). As a puppet of the U.S. he didn’t allow much change in Cuba’s identity. He kept their ties with the U.S. close which led to them being overpowered by the U.S. and not leaving any room for continental growth, within their own countries borders.

     Batista allowing other countries to rule Cuba behind the scenes did not settle well with Castro and the Cuban people. The Cuban people were unhappy with this way of life and decided to follow Castro and revolt. The revolts that started because Batista

did try and break away from other countries was the start decolonization in Cuba.  There were several revolts against Batista one very important one was the Guerrilla campaign led by Fiedel Castro in 1956.This is when Batista’s regime was overthrown by Castro’s forces (2). All in all the decolonization of Cuba was not directly influenced by Batista, he was one that stood in the way of  severing of relations with foreign countries, which could have lead to the freedom of Cuba.


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(1) Fredriksen, John C. "Batista, Fulgencio." Biographical Dictionary of Modern World Leaders: 1900–1991. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2003. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com (accessed May 23, 2013)

(2) Seelye, James E., Jr. "Batista, Fulgencio." In Ackermann, Marsha E., Michael Schroeder, Janice J. Terry, Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur, and Mark F. Whitters, eds.Encyclopedia of World History: Crisis and Achievement, 1900 to 1950, vol. 5. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008. Modern World History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com (accessed May 23, 2013)