Fidel Castro’s Rise to power (1947–1959)

1947 – Bogotazo & Cayo Confites Expedition

• Joined an attempted Dominican invasion against Trujillo’s dictatorship (failed).

• Showed early anti-imperialist and revolutionary zeal.

1948 – Student Activism & Political Turmoil

• Involved in riots during the Bogotazo (Colombia) after Gaitán’s assassination.

• Cuba under President Grau faced corruption and economic inequality.

1950 – Law Degree & Growing Opposition

• Graduated from University of Havana; became a lawyer defending the poor.

• Batista’s political influence returned through military control.

1952 – Batista Coup & Radicalization

• Batista seized power through a coup before elections.

• Castro’s legal petition to the Supreme Court failed—he turned to armed resistance.

1953 – Moncada Barracks Attack (26 July)

• Led an unsuccessful attack in Santiago de Cuba.

• Method: armed uprising to spark national revolt.

• Imprisoned; used trial (“History Will Absolve Me”) to spread anti-Batista message.

1955 – Amnesty & Exile in Mexico

• Released under political amnesty.

• Founded the 26th of July Movement; trained guerrillas with Che Guevara and Raúl Castro.

1956 – Granma Expedition & Sierra Maestra Guerrilla War

• Landed in Cuba with 82 rebels; most killed, few survivors regrouped.

• Method: guerrilla warfare based in rural mountains.

1957 – Expansion of Guerrilla Support

• Gained peasant support through discipline and social reforms.

• Urban resistance and student movements coordinated sabotage.

1958 – National Strike & Guerrilla Offensive

• Batista’s military repression failed to crush rebels.

• Castro used radio propaganda (Radio Rebelde) and coordinated attacks.

• US withdrew support from Batista due to human rights abuses.

1959 (Jan 1) – Batista Flees; Castro Takes Power

• Rebel forces entered Havana.

• Method: combined guerrilla warfare, propaganda, and mass mobilization.

• Condition: collapse of Batista regime amid widespread corruption, inequality, and lost legitimacy.