All about Fidel Castro

Students’ Academy

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Castro and Politics
Chapter 3: Castro and Revolution
Chapter 4: The Cuban Revolution
Chapter 5: The July Movement
Chapter 6: Batista’s Operation Verano
Chapter 7: Revolution Spreads
Chapter 8: Fall of the Batista Regime
Chapter 9: New Government
Chapter 10: Castro Strengthens His Power
Chapter 11: Castro’s Government
Chapter 12: Bay of Pigs Invasion
Chapter 13: The Socialist State
Chapter 14: Cuban Missile Crisis
Chapter 15: Assassination Attempts on Castro
Chapter 16: United States Embargo against Cuba
Chapter 17: Cuban Foreign Relations
Chapter 18: Castro and Religion
Chapter 19: Castro’s Illness
Chapter 20: Retirement
Chapter 21: Castro’s Public Personality
Chapter 22: Family and Children
Chapter 23: Fidel Castro Quotes

Introduction

Few revolutionary leaders have wielded as profound an influence on the modern world as Fidel Castro. His indomitable ideology and steadfast leadership kept him at the helm of Cuban politics for over four decades, cementing his place in history as a transformative figure. Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz was born on August 13, 1926, on a sugar plantation in Birán, near Mayarí, in what is now the modern-day province of Holguín, previously part of the now-defunct Oriente province. His journey from these humble beginnings to becoming one of the most prominent and controversial figures of the 20th century is a testament to his ambition, resilience, and revolutionary spirit.

Fidel Castro was born into a prosperous family, which afforded him the privilege of receiving the best education available during that era. His father, Ángel Castro y Argiz, was an immigrant from Galicia, Spain, who had become relatively wealthy through his work in the sugar industry and shrewd investments. Fidel’s mother, Lina Ruz González, initially worked as a household servant for Ángel. Although born out of wedlock, Castro eventually gained legitimacy and recognition from his father after Ángel divorced his first wife and married Lina when Fidel was fifteen.

Despite the family's wealth, Fidel's early years were marked by personal challenges. He was initially baptized at the age of eight, which subjected him to ridicule by other children. Raised primarily in foster homes, he experienced a sense of alienation that fueled his drive for recognition and success. This background helped shape the revolutionary leader he was to become.

Fidel had two brothers, Ramón and Raúl, who stood by him throughout his life, particularly during his revolutionary activities. He also had four sisters—Angelita, Juanita, Enma, and Agustina—who, like him, were born before his parents' marriage, as well as two half-siblings, Lidia and Pedro Emilio, from his father's first marriage.

Fidel Castro's educational journey was a pivotal phase in his development. He attended several Jesuit boarding schools, which played a significant role in shaping his character and intellect. He completed his high school education at El Colegio de Belén in Havana, where he excelled academically and athletically. Fidel was an impressive orator and a charismatic presence, qualities that drew attention to him from a young age. While at Belén, he played for the school's baseball team, displaying a talent that reportedly attracted interest from American scouts, although no concrete evidence supports these claims.

Castro’s time at the University of Havana, where he studied law, marked the beginning of his political activism. It was here that he became deeply involved in the turbulent political climate of the time. As a student, he was known for his fiery rhetoric and impassioned speeches, which drew large crowds and established him as a prominent figure in Cuban politics. His critiques of President Fulgencio Batista and the pervasive influence of the United States in Cuban affairs resonated with many who sought change, garnering him a devoted following, though it also attracted the scrutiny of the authorities........................................................................