Castro’s social, economic,
political policies and their
impact on Cuban society.
Teo Li Hui
Background information
• Fidel Castro assumed full control of
Presidential power in July 1959.
• Once established as Cuba’s leader he
began to pursue more radical policies –
socialistic.
• Creation of a one-party government to
exercise dictatorial control over all aspects
of Cuba’s political, economic, and cultural
life.
Reference: www.djournalist.tripod.com/cubacastro.htm (assessed on
12/09/2011), Encyclopedia Brittanica (assessed on 12/09/2011)
Castro set out from his first day in power
to destroy every vestige of the old social
order in Cuba.
Reference: Tad Szulc, A Critical Portrait, page 463
Social Policies
• The New Man’s Theory
• Socialistic policies
• Educational and health services were made
available to Cubans free of charge, and
every citizen was guaranteed employment.
• Had strong views on morality.
Reference: www.hyperhistory.net (assessed on 13/09/2011)
‘For Castro, freedom begins with education.’
Barbara Walters, NBC presenter
Reference: George Calloway, Fidel Castro Handbook, page 316
“From now on, the children of the peasants will have schools,
sport facilities and medical attention, and the peasants will count
for the first time as an essential element of the nation.”
Fidel Castro
Reference: George Calloway, Fidel Castro Handbook, page 179
Impact
• As education in Cuba was made free,
illiteracy was made a thing of the past.
• Free healthcare services and a massive
inoculation helped to reduce infant mortality
rates.
• Doctors were redistributed all over Cuba and
were not only found in Havana, where all the
rich people lived.
Reference: www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk (assessed on 13/09/2011)
Economic Policies
• Cuba’s private commerce and industry were
nationalized; agrarian reforms.
• Economic decision-making power was
concentrated in a centralized bureaucracy
headed by Castro.
• Trade agreement with Soviet Union in 1960.
Reference: www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk (assessed on 13/09/2011,
Encyclopedia Brittanica (assessed on 12/09/2011), George Calloway, Fidel
Castro Handbook, page 179
Impact
• The economic reforms brought a fall in
unemployment, a rise in living standards and
consumer boom.
• With inefficient industries and a stagnant
agriculture, Cuba became increasingly dependent
on favourable Soviet trade policies.
• Trade agreement with Soviet Union deepened
American distrust and severed economic and
diplomatic ties.
Reference: www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk (assessed on 13/09/2011, Encyclopedia
Brittanica (assessed on 13/09/2011), George Calloway, Fidel Castro Handbook, page 182
Political Policies
• Developed aggressive policies towards the
US.
• Foreign policy included the support of
revolutionary groups in other countries.
• All political dissent and opposition were
ruthlessly suppressed.
Reference: www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk (assessed on 13/09/2011),
Encyclopedia Brittanica (assessed on 12/09/2011) and www.hyperhistory.net
(assessed on 13/09/2011)
Impact
• In 1961, Cuba was declared a socialist nation.
Ten of thousands from the higher capitalist class
and the Jews left for the US.
• The United States was alienated by the new
economic reforms and offended by Castro’s
fiery new anti-American rhetoric.
• Bay of Pigs 1961
Reference: Encyclopedia Brittanica (assessed on 12/09/2011) and
www.hyperhistory.net (assessed on 13/09/2011)