Fidel Castro and the Consolidation of the Cuban Revolution, 1959-1963

This paper explores the success story of the Cuban revolution of 1959. It documents the remote and immediate factors that instigated the revolution, particularly, the resentment against the corrupt, repressive and dictatorial rule of Fulgencio Batista; America’s neocolonial domination of Cuban economy and politics as well as; the lackluster economic growth of Cuba that benefitted foreigners but impoverished Cuban peasants. The paper further interrogate the factors that aided the success of the revolution and the many reforms introduced by Fidel Castro, the charismatic leader of the revolution, right from the first month of the new government; through which the revolution was consolidated initially, and has remained formidable since the past fifty-eight years, even in the midst of United States antagonism. The study employed the eclectic method of inquiry adopting mix of historical, descriptive and interpretative methods of data collection and analysis. The study relied heavily on secondary data sourced from journal articles, textbooks, newspapers and magazines and other relevant materials including theses, dissertations and government reports. Facts and information obtained were, however, subjected to corroboration and critical analysis to enhance objectivity.