Unit 1 - Emergence of Auth. State in Cuba
Overview
- Before 1902, Cuba was a Spanish colony. Nationalist Cubans fought two Wars of Independence against Spain (1868-78, 1895-1898).
- After 4 years of US control, Cuba became independent in 1902. However, the Platt Amendment of 1901 gave the US powers of ‘supervision’ and ‘intervention’.
5.3 How significant was the role of ideology in Castro’s rise to power in 1959?
Castro adopted aspects of communist ideology after 1960, but Richard Gott states nationalism was more important, and that Marti was more influential with its emphasis on class conflict.
The main factor to Castro’s rise to power was his movement’s war against Batista, but the stated aims of the movement were important to get public support. These aims were published in manifestos.
Manifestos
Castro thought manifestos were essential — “Propaganda must not be abandoned for a minute, for it is the soul of every struggle.”
| Manifesto | Content | Reason |
| Manifesto of the Revolutionaries of Moncada to the Nation Jul. 23 1953 | Indicated the revolution he sought to achieve: - independence from foreign control - social justice based on economic and industrial modernisation - restoration of 1940 constitution | Castro was part of radical Cuban nationalist tradition, inspired by Antonio Guiteras’ advocation for radical reform w/ socialist undertones from 1920’s to 1930s |
| “History will absolve me” speech Oct. 16 1953 | further developed ideas of prev. manifesto - promises of agrarian reform - rent reduction - industrial development and modernisation - expansion of education and health care - taking control of public utilities (controlled by US) | |
| “Manifestos of the 26 July Movement” in Mexico | no signs of communism or any systematic ideology Castro wanted social revolution but rejected claims of being a communist | |
| Manifestos (general) 1957-8 | continuous stream when Castro was in the Sierra | |
| Talks on Radio Rebelde | broad outlines of policies and reforms | illegal radio station of Castro |
| Manifesto to prepare for 9 April General Strike 12 Mar. 1958 | repeated elements of History will absolve me speech | |
| Response to Caracas Pact July 1958 | mention of agrarian reform but no radical socialist policies | response to Caracas Pact - pact signed by all groups against Batista - except for communist PSP |
Despite the Caracas Pact, until 1958 there were no serious contact between Castro and Cuban communists. By July 1958, Carlos Rodriguez, a leader of the PSP, joined the rebels in the Sierra and cooperated with the movement. Castro accepted support but made it clear he was in charge.
Nationalism and cubiana
Castro’s ideology was mainly inspired by:
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radical Cuban nationalism
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from 1868 & First War of Independence
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1920s & 1930s student rebellions
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1930s & 1940s anti-imperialist movements in L.A.
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similar as masses vs. elite, and tried to escape US economic interest control
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concept of cubiana
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modernization through socio-economic and cultural development of Cuba
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on Cuban terms, not by capitalism or imperialism
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aimed for economic growth, high social welfare, and socio-economic fairness
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cubiana:
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nationalist concept of protecting Cuban sovereignty while increasing growth in all aspects of community
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‘Cuba for Cubans’
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inspired by Marti
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a socio-economic and cultural idea, doesn’t address political
Castro believed the 26 July Movement needed to achieve Cuban independence and modernization as the vanguard and custodian of cubiana.
Before 1959, Castro’s political ideas were more nationalistic and less radical than that of Raul and Che Guevara.
- Sebastian Balfour labelled them as unorthodox communists
While ‘socialism in one country’ in Cuba may have originated from discussions between the three in the Sierra, this was not shown in manifestos.
5.4 Why was Castro successful in his bid to overthrow Batista?
Military and political factors
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Strength of commanders
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Che Guevara, Raul Castro, Camilo Cienfuegos
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Location on a rural part of the area
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population had been terrorized by Rural Guard (paramilitary police) for a long time
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hated central gov’t
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success of military offensives forced gov’t to divert troops to rural areas
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allows opposition to mobilize there
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Batista’s brutality and oppression
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increased opposition for Batista
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increased support for Castro
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Dissent with Batista’s army
By late 1950’s, Batista faced increasing popular opposition and armed resistance with an increasingly unreliable army.
Economic developments
From 1952 to 1954, the price of sugar declined, causing recessions in Cuba.
The 1934 trade treaty with the US removed tariffs, so Cuban industry couldn’t develop (imports).
Resultant growing unemployment: 1957, 17% of labor force unemployed + 13% underemployed
Role of the US
Late 1957, US decided that Batista should be replaced to protect US investments and prevent Castro’s rise to power.
March 1958, US placed arms embargo:
- weakens Batista’s hold on his military and civilian supporters
- resistance to Castro’s forces is more difficult
Popular Support
Castro obtained increasing support.
Firstly, it was in rural areas. Rebels helped peasants buy food and harvest crops, while executing their persecutors. This support they gained helped them evade detection by Batista in the early stage of the war.
Then it spread to urban areas, as working class and student movements got involved in urban resistance, and middle-class and intellectuals supported.
| Castro’s Usage of Mass Media (radio + press) | |
| Usage | Impact |
| publicity stunts - exclusive interview w/ Herbert Matthews, US journalist for NYT, in the Sierra | report gave impression that Castros forces were larger and controlled more territory |
| regular broadcasts by Radio Rebelde - accurate reports of clashes - affirmations of patriotism - repeated announcement of reform agenda | broadcasts got popular and built support later, call for ‘national regeneration’ and economic reform began to win over the business community |
| conclusion: slow journey from Santiago to Havana supported by large cheering crowds |
THE SUCCESS OF CASTRO WAS TRUE INDEPENDENCE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 100 YEARS