Fidel Castro

Castro, Fidel (1926– ) Cuban premier (1959– ) and revolutionary. He led an abortive revolution in 1953 against dictator Fulgencio Batista, and was imprisoned and exiled. In 1956 he invaded Cuba with 81 men and overthrew the regime, establishing himself as premier in 1959. He nationalized industry and collectivized agriculture, becoming increasingly dependent on the USSR for financial support. The U.S. has attempted to isolate Cuba both economically and politically but has not achieved success.

See also: Cuba.