Question

n 1959, the Cuban Revolution brought dramatic change to the island nation of Cuba. Led by Fidel
Castro and his supporters, the revolution overthrew the government of Fulgencio Batista, who had
ruled with strong ties to U.S. businesses and interests. Castro promised to end corruption and
improve life for ordinary Cubans. Soon after taking power, his government began nationalizing
industries and redistributing land, which angered many wealthy Cubans and U.S. companies. The
United States responded by cutting economic ties and eventually imposing a trade embargo on
Cuba. In 1961, the U.S. supported an invasion by Cuban exiles at the Bay of Pigs, which failed and
increased tensions. The following year, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of
nuclear war when the Soviet Union placed missiles in Cuba. After this crisis, Cuba remained closely
aligned with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Today, the relationship between Cuba and the
United States is still complicated. The trade embargo remains in place, although some restrictions
have been eased in recent years. Diplomatic relations were restored in 2015, allowing embassies to
reopen, but political differences and economic sanctions continue to shape interactions between the
two nations.

3. What were two goals of the revolution?

Answer 1

Two goals were to end government corruption and to improve life for ordinary Cubans — including measures like land redistribution and nationalizing industries to reduce inequality and curb U.S. corporate influence.