Joint Crisis: Cuban Revolution
Chairs: Sofie Jones ’18 & Joey Sarno ’17
Dear Delegates,
Welcome to the CAMUN 2017 Joint Crisis committees, centered around the Cuban Revolution!
Our names are Sofie Jones and Joey Sarno and we will be your chairs, and we’ll be assisted by
two rapporteurs, Elizabeth Mulgrew de Laire and Lex Keegan Jiganti. Sofie’s committee will
consist of Fulgencio Batista’s cabinet and advisors, while Joey’s will be comprised of Fidel
Castro’s revolutionaries. We are both excited to work with you all as we delve into this fast
paced and exciting historical committee.
The Cuban Revolution, while taking place in a small Caribbean country only ninety miles off the
coast of Florida, had and continues to have resounding effects on the international community
half a century later. A revolution fought both for and against issues of communism, wealth
inequality, and economic dependency, it provides a complex and fascinating window into the
inner workings of a country operating without a democratic system. Furthermore, understanding
the ways in which Cuban leaders tried, succeeded, and failed to take control of their country
offers a deep understanding of the nature of communism and political uprising.
This committee will focus on the year or so preceding the Cuban revolution, beginning in
January 1958. At this time, Castro’s forces were gaining more control daily while Batista fought
fervently to keep power over the nation. Based in Havana, the island's capital city, delegates in
Batista’s committee will organize politically and militarily to combat revolutionary leaders and
ideals. Delegates from Castro’s committee will aid in the spreading of those same ideals and
attempt to overthrow the government. Throughout the conference, we will receive news updates
and government intelligence, based on the actions and implications of the decisions made by
both committees and by the CAMUN Crisis Team.
Please feel free to reach out to us by email with any questions you might have before the
conference! We would be more than happy to clarify or help in any way we are able.
We look forward to seeing you all in committee soon,
Sofie Jones ’18
[email protected]​
JC: Cuban Revolution
Joey Sarno ’17
​[email protected]
1
History of Cuba
Early Colonization of Cuba and Development of Industry
Before the Spanish colonized the island of Cuba, its population was comprised of various
indigenous peoples. Native groups, such as the Taino, Ciboney, and ​Guanahatabey, made up a
total population of what historians estimate was, in the 15th century, about 75,000.1 The
indigenous populations residing there grew crops like tobacco, maize, and cotton, working and
living primarily off the land.
However, the island’s history, population, and culture were forever altered when, in
1492, Christopher Columbus, an Italian explorer commissioned by the Spanish crown to discover
the New World, first spotted Cuba.2 This brought many European settlers to the island, and by
1511, it was home to more than 300 Spaniards.3 As Cuba’s population grew in the years
following initial colonization efforts, the island was divided into regions by Spanish officials,
who reported directly to the king. In 1515 a representative royal council was formed in Cuba to
communicate with the Spanish government.
By this time, the economic and social systems of Cuba had changed and had begun to
reflect European structures. In the sixteenth century, Cuban farms operated under a semi-feudal
system modeled after Spain’s ​encomienda practice, in which colonial immigrants were granted
land and control over native peoples of a certain area.4
Soon, the base of the Cuban economy transitioned to cash crops such as sugarcane and
coffee beans5 ; Cuba became the world’s leading producer of sugar. As the production of these
crops increased, and demanded rigorous manual work, so did the island’s reliance on slave labor.
Between 1501 and 1867, over 850,000 African-born slaves were brought to Cuba in order to
work in houses and in the fields.6 This statistic did not account for the many thousands more who
were second and third generation slaves born on the island.
Because of its status as a Spanish colony, slavery was abolished in Cuba at the end of the
nineteenth century. However, due to the island’s dependence on the institution of slavery,
plantation owners continued to hold illegal slaves past the formal date of abolition. Historian
Stephen Chambers wrote that the slavery continued well into the 20th century, explaining:
“​In fact, in many later years it intensified, and economic policies of free trade often
worked in tandem with the expansion of slavery. The dismantling of trade restrictions – often
1
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html
http://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/117378#129488.toc
3
http://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/117378#129488.toc
4
http://school.eb.com/levels/high/article/117378#129488.toc
5
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/cu.html
6
http://www.salon.com/2015/09/27/our_forgotten_slavery_horror_the_shameful_untold_history_of_america_and_th
e_cuban_slave_trade/
2
JC: Cuban Revolution
2
framed as striking a blow for emancipation – actually strengthened slavery in Cuba and
throughout the hemisphere.”7
The implications of sugar plantations and slavery on the island’s government and
population are reflected in the geographic and societal structure of Cuba into the twentieth and
twenty-first centuries.
Cuba in the Early Twentieth Century: Independence and Government
Cuba remained under Spanish rule until the late 19th century. Following Spain’s loss in
the Spanish-American war, Cuba was granted to the United States in the Treaty of Paris.8 This
treaty also gave the United States power over other Caribbean islands, such as Puerto Rico and
Guam. It was not until 1902 that Cuba achieved political independence and established its own
government, led by President Tomás Estrada Palma.9
However, Cuba was still not a fully independent nation. In the Cuban constitution
enacted in 1902, the United States retained the power to oversee governmental procedure and to
intervene in state affairs if necessary. Furthermore, the Platt Amendment, which legislated the
removal of American troops from Cuba, outlined actions that Cuba had to take in order to gain
independence. It was through this amendment that America came to lease the Guantanamo Bay
prison in southeastern Cuba.10
The United States did not have to wait long to exercise its power over Cuba. In 1906,
following a controversial Cuban presidential election, the United States began an occupation of
its government. This occupation, in response to armed revolts against Cuban political leaders,
lasted until 1909.
In the years following, the Cuban people elected a new president, ​Jose Miguel Gomez, in
an election closely monitored by the US. Although the self governance of Cuba was not fully
recognized until 1934, the United States no longer frequently exercised its power by the 1920s.
However, following years of international oversight, Cuba continued to have trouble with the
implementation of democratic practices, leading to the election of many soon-to-be dictators,
such as the infamous Gerardo Machado.11
A new Cuban constitution was enacted in 1940, during the presidency of Federico Laredo
12
Brú. This document demonstrated progressive values and the importance of a functioning
government. The International Commission of Jurists appreciated “the rare balance it established
7
http://www.salon.com/2015/09/27/our_forgotten_slavery_horror_the_shameful_untold_history_of_america_and_th
e_cuban_slave_trade/
8
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19576144
9
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19576144
10
https://history.state.gov/milestones/1899-1913/platt
11
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19576144
12
http://library.miami.edu/chc/2010/10/14/cuban-memories-the-cuban-constitution-of-1940-then-and-today/
JC: Cuban Revolution
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between republican, liberal and democratic postulates on one hand and the demands of social
justice and economic advancement on the other.”13
Committee 1: Background on Batista’s regime
Batista’s Early life and First Presidency
Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar was born in 1901 on a sugar plantation, where his parents
lived and worked. Coming from humble origins, Batista lived a fairly normal life in rural Cuba
before enlisting in the army as a Private in 1921. In 1933, after rising through the ranks to
become a Sergeant, Batista led the failed revolt of a group of officers against Gerardo Machado,
the Cuban dictator at the time. Although this was the first major rebellion Batista organized, he
led many more political crusades in the years following. Working with foreign ambassadors and
domestic politicians, Batista became a central figure in Cuba’s national government.14
In 1940, Batista was elected president. During his first term, he brought the Cuban
Communist Party into the center of Cuba’s government.15 His first term marked a historical first
for Cuba, as he served as the nation’s first non-white leader.16 Batista’s government worked
closely with other countries such as the United States and, in 1941, Cuba joined World War II on
the Allies’ side.17 During his first incumbency, Batista also orchestrated various national social
reforms and enacted many policies that favored labor unions. In 1944, after serving a four year
long term, Batista picked a successor to run for the presidency. However, his choice lost the
election to ​Ramón Grau. Following the election, Batista ​left Cuba and moved to Florida.
Batista’s Return to Cuba and Second Term
In the years after Batista left Cuba, the corruption of Grau’s government became apparent
to the Cuban public,18 and in 1952 Batista saw an opportunity to again run for president. But as
the election approached he found himself in third place, considerably behind the candidates
supported by the ​the Auténtico and the Ortodoxo parties, the latter of which a young man named
Fidel Castro belonged to.19
On March 10, 1952, three months before the election, Batista staged a coup with the help
of the armed forces. After taking over the government, he cancelled the upcoming elections and
made himself the nation’s leader. Batista’s government was recognized by the United States on
March 27th of the same year.
13
http://library.miami.edu/chc/2010/10/14/cuban-memories-the-cuban-constitution-of-1940-then-and-today/
http://www.nytimes.com/1973/08/07/archives/batista-excuban-dictator-dies-in-spain-unending-exile-succession-of.
html?_r=1
15
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/p_batista.html
16
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/p_batista.html
17
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/p_batista.html
18
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/p_batista.html
19
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/p_batista.html
14
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At the beginning of Batista’s second term, he suspended the Constitution of 1940 that
pushed progressive and democratic ideals and enacted his own legislation. As historian Hugh
Thomas wrote, "Batista proclaimed a new constitutional code of 275 articles, claiming that the
'democratic and progressive essence' of the 1940 Constitution was preserved in the new law."20
However, Batista’s reinstatement did not yield a revived period of liberalism in Cuba.
Rather, he soon became focused on gaining the approval and favor of the nation’s higher classes.
21
He supported expensive urban infrastructure projects, like the building of new train lines, and
encouraged large-scale gambling in Havana, strengthening his ties to many organized crime
leaders.22 As Thomas wrote, "In a way, Batista's golpe formalized gangsterism: the machine gun
in the big car became the symbol not only of settling scores but of an approaching change of
government."23
Committee 2: Background on Fidel Castro’s revolutionaries
Born to a wealthy sugarcane planter, and having attending a Catholic boarding school,
Castro’s beginnings were not as humble as most proletarian revolutionaries.24 Castro began his
political career in college. As he once said, ​“​I was then acquiring a revolutionary conscience; I
was active; I struggled, but let us say I was an independent fighter.”25 Many believe he adopted
this attitude while a student at the University of Havana. The school was described as a place
where “organized violent gangs sought to advance a mixture of romantic goals, political aims,
and personal careers.”26 Castro was involved with many radical groups during his time at
university. As one historian noted, “Castro’s main activity at the university was politics, and in
1947 he joined an abortive attempt by Dominican exiles and Cubans to invade the Dominican
Republic and overthrow General Rafael Trujillo. He then took part in urban riots that broke out
in Bogotá, Colombia, in April 1948.”27
Castro started on his warpath after a loss in a congressional election that was canceled
due to Batista’s coup.28 After years of peaceful protest to the Batista Regime, he decided
violence was the only way forward.29
The Cuban Revolution
The first signs of a revolution against Batista came roughly a year after his second
governmental coup, amidst much political opposition to his regime. Most historians concur that
20
http://www.historyofcuba.com/history/batista.htm
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/p_batista.html
22
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/p_batista.html
23
http://www.historyofcuba.com/history/batista.htm
24
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fidel-Castro
25
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/26/world/americas/fidel-castro-dies.html?_r=0
26
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fidel-Castro
27
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fidel-Castro
28
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/26/world/americas/fidel-castro-dies.html?_r=0
29
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/26/world/americas/fidel-castro-dies.html?_r=0
21
JC: Cuban Revolution
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it started with the attack at Moncada. On July 26th, 1953, a small group of revolutionaries
attacked the Moncada Barracks in Santiago, Cuba. The government quickly defeated the
attackers and detained many of them, though some were able to flee the country. Fidel Castro, a
leader of the onslaught, was captured and jailed by police. The revolutionaries who carried out
the attack became known as the July 26th Movement. Although rebel groups were further
quieted after the Moncada assaults, Batista's unpopularity among the public continued in the
coming years and led many to call for his removal.30
In May of 1955, Fidel Castro and his comrades were released from prison through
general amnesty. Soon after their release, rumors circulated that Batista was plotting to kill
Castro, leading Castro to flee to Mexico with other rebels.31 During this period in Mexico, he
began planning his revolutionary movement, writing in a publication at the time,"We will return
when we can bring to our people the liberty and the right to live decently without despotism and
without hunger.”32
While Castro plotted against him, Batista tightened his control over Cuba. He increased
censorship of the press and rejected proposals for elections. These actions only increased the
negative sentiments that the population harbored for their leader.
In December of 1956, Castro and his allies returned to Cuba aboard a yacht called the
Granma. After landing, the group made its way to the Sierra Maestra mountains, where Batista’s
forces tried to capture them once again. The July 26th Movement worked in the mountain range
and throughout Cuba in the following years to overthrow Batista’s regime. Meanwhile, Batista
resorted to strict and harsh methods as he attempted to keep control of the island’s cities.
However, Castro continued to gain control of the mountains and use methods of publication and
armed violence to move through Cuba and towards a nationwide revolution.
Structure of Committees
Both committees will begin at the start of 1958, as Batista tries to preserve power over
Cuba and Castro gains revolutionary momentum. Over the course of the day, committees will
move through 1958 into the beginning of 1959. Through communication with the chairs, who
will serve as Batista and Castro, delegates will receive updates from the partnering committee
and the CAMUN Crisis Team on the state of the country and the revolution.
Each committee will hold a different set of powers. Delegates in Batista’s regime will
hold power over the national military and government, while delegates in Castro’s will manage
revolutionary forces and have the support of the majority of the public. The goal of each
committee is to have power over the Cuban government by the end of the conference. The
actions and decisions of each delegate will influence which side ultimately prevails and wins the
revolution.
30
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/castro/peopleevents/p_batista.html
http://www.historyofcuba.com/history/batista.htm
32
http://www.historyofcuba.com/history/granma.htm
31
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Positions and Portfolio Powers
Note: Many of these individuals are not well-known or easily researched, so we suggest you pay
closer attention to positions rather than individuals as you prepare for the conference.
Batista’s Cabinet and Advisors
Manuel Ampudia y González
As Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Manuel Ampudia y Gonzalez held a powerful
position in 1958. Under Ampudia y González, health care was a system paid for by individuals,
while hospitals and clinics were owned by private companies. His portfolio powers include
creating infrastructure to increase social welfare, such as sewers, as well as creating policies
regarding health and social welfare.
Miguel Baguer y Marti
Miguel Baguer y Marti was the ambassador to the Dominican Republic in 1958.
Previously, he was the ambassador to several other Latin American nations, such as Venezuela.
His duties include facilitating conversation between Batista’s regime and the government of the
Dominican Republic, a close ally. Baguer himself was a close advisor and trusted friend to
Batista.
Miguel A. Campa y Caraveda / Nicolas Arroyo
The ambassador to the United States under Batista until March of 1958, Caraveda also
previously served as the Cuban Attorney General and Minister of Defense. His close ties and
connections to the United States are extremely valuable to Batista’s regime.
After the committee passes the month of March, this delegate will become the new
ambassador: Nicolas ​Arroyo. Like Caraveda, Arroyo possesses a unique connection to the
United States and can influence Batista’s actions towards the international community.
Bernardo Carames y Camacho
Bernardo Carames y Camacho was Cuba’s Attorney General under Batista’s regime. He
is in charge of the country’s legal system and overseeing its courts. For the purposes of this
committee, he will advise on issues surrounding Cuba’s constitution as well as the legal side of
the revolution from both domestic and international perspectives.
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Brigadier Pilar García
Pilar García was the Chief of National Police under Batista’s rule. He was in charge of
organizing police forces throughout the island and communicating with government officials as
high up as Batista. His main role will to be to work with cabinet members to find ways to capture
and detain Castro and his allies and keep violence from making its way to Havana.
Alberto García y Valdés
Alberto García Valdés was the Minister of Communications in Cuba in 1958. He had
responsibilities that included maintaining and building railroads, motorized traffic, civil aviation,
and building postal/telegraph offices and monitoring radio and television stations. Valdés was
known for often shutting down local broadcasting because the content was “immoral”.33 His
powers include regulating telecommunications, broadcasts, and print media.
Rafael Guas y Inclan
Rafael Guas Inclan was, in 1958, Mayor of Havana. In the years prior, he served as both
Batista’s vice president and as a senator. Guas allied himself with Batista’s regime early in his
career. He held power over the government of Havana, which Batista fervently attempted to
maintain. Guas can call upon the city’s governmental departments and has enormous influence
on the cabinet’s urban efforts.
Dr. Gonzalo Güell y Morales de los Rios
Guell was the Prime Minister of Cuba from March 1958 to January 1959. Before his
role as prime minister, Guell was the Cuban ambassador to the United Nations, Mexico, and
Colombia. He is a trusted adviser to Batista and not only has significant power over the
national government, but also many close connections to foreign nations and bodies.
Alejandro Herrera y Arrango
Alejandro Herrera y Arrango was the Minister of Finance during Batista’s final term as
leader of Cuba. In this position, he supported Batista by granting him extra state credit and
acted as president of the ANIC34 (Associación Nacional de Industriales Cuba). Arrango was a
supporter of Cuba’s industrialization, and he has the power to make decisions regarding the
economy, such as the allocation of monetary resources and granting credit.
Ramiro Oñate y Gomez
Ramiro Oñate y Gomez was the Minister of Public Works in Batista’s cabinet. His role
was to oversee all infrastructure projects and to make sure that Cuba’s cities and towns
functioned well. His role in this committee will be to advise Batista about how Cuba can
33
Yeidy M. Rivero,​ Broadcasting Modernity: Cuban Commercial Television, 1950-1960, (Durham, Duke University
Press, 2015).
34
http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0094582X9502200406
JC: Cuban Revolution
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continue to improve its infrastructure and offer advice and insight into the inner workings of
the country.
Jose Ramon Perez y Magariños
Jose Magariños was Batista’s Minister of Commerce in 1958. As such, he regulated
imports and exports, and brokered trade deals with other nations. Additionally, Magariños was
expected to increase the country’s overall economic growth. His main duty in this committee
will be to communicate with people both inside and outside of Cuba to make sure that trade
embargos, treaties, and the growth of industry is not harmed during the revolution.
Andres Rivero y Aguero
Aguero was the Prime Minister and President Elect during the 1958 elections. He had
previously served as Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Education, ambassador to Peru, and
Batista had appointed him only a year earlier as Prime Minister/Premier. As Premier, Aguero
worked towards peace for the Cuban Revolution. Since he is not sworn in as president yet, his
portfolio powers include those of the Prime Minister: acting as an advisor to Batista and working
with various organs of the Cuban government to end the revolution.
Rear Admiral José N. Rodríguez y Calderón
José N. Rodríguez y Calderón was the Chief of Staff of the Cuban Navy. His role was to
coordinate naval forces according to Batista’s orders and to advise Batista on battle strategy. His
responsibilities are to design ways to prevent revolutionaries from entering Cuba and to stop
Castro's comrades from traveling by water.
José Santos y Gutiérrez
José Santos Gutiérrez was the Governor of Havana during Batista’s term. As Batista
attempts to keep the island’s cities from being taken over by Castro’s forces, Gutiérrez will be an
important ally and advisor. The governor must work with Batista to implement action in Havana
and help the government maintain control.
Major General Francisco Tabernilla y Dolz
General Francisco Tabernilla Dolz was the Chief of Staff of the Cuban Army in 1958.
His duties include working with Batista to stop and capture the revolutionaries and to protect
Cuba’s government from violent domestic uprisings and protests.
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Castro’s Assembly of Revolutionaries
Raul Castro
As both brother and close confidant to Fidel Castro, Raul was involved in the revolution
since the beginning. He is a strong supporter of the Communist party, more so than his brother.35
Because he is Fidel’s brother, he is the most trusted advisor and holds a lot of sway in his
brother's decisions.
Che Guevara
A radical left freedom fighter and former doctor who, having seen the poor conditions of
his fellow people, decided the only way to better people's lives was through violent revolutions.36
Because of Guevara’s involvement in the overthrowing of several international governments, he
has contacts with several communist fighters in Central America, some of whom might be
willing to aid in the Cuban revolution. As a public figure, he also has the ability to bring
attention to the revolutionary movement.
Camilo Cienfuegos
Camilo Cienfuegos was a Cuban exile during the Batista Regime, and became the head of
the revolutionaries’ military. 37 As commander of the military he is vitally important to the
success of the operation. He is also a very trusted ally of the Castro regime.
Juan Almeida Bosque
Juan Almeida Bosque was the Commander and head of the Santiago Column of the
Revolutionary Army and in charge of the one of the biggest military operations “sweeping down
from the mountains” to engage the Batista regime.38 As one of the main leaders of the
Revolution, Bosque was with Castro during the failed Moncada military barracks siege.39 He
earned the rank of "Comandante de la Revolucion," a title held only by the most revered
revolutionaries in the Cuban revolution. 40 As the commander of the Santiago Column of the War,
Bosque controls a vital part of the military strategy and the recruiting of soldiers to fight for the
glorious revolution.
35
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Raul-Castro
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/guevara_che.shtml
37
http://www.globalresearch.ca/cubas-national-hero-camilo-cienfuegos/5484970
38
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/politics-obituaries/6207017/Juan-Almeida-Bosque.html
39
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-juan-almeida-bosque16-2009sep16-story.html
40
http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-juan-almeida-bosque16-2009sep16-story.html
36
JC: Cuban Revolution
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Huber Matos
A school teacher turned revolutionary due to his hatred of Batista, Huber Matos was a
trusted advisor to Fidel Castro. He also became a key military figure in the Cuban Revolution.41
Most notably Matos was able to go to Costa Rica and get weapons for the rebels stationed at
Sierra Maestra, and he was also at the final assault of Havana.42 Matos is able to use his contacts
to arrange weapons and ammunition runs for the rebels who desperately need them.
Vilma Espin
Future wife of Raul Castro, in 1956 she began a rebellion to help with the Castro
revolution.43 Her fighting helped establish a new image for women in Cuba and the Revolution.44
As one of the most powerful women in the Revolution she is a powerful propaganda tool. Her
image could help gain support of the young Cuban women, and raise support for the fledgling
rebellion.
Manuel Urrutia Lleo
Manuel Urrutia was the political opponent to Batista for many years. A reluctant
revolutionary and a former judge turned Castro aid, his opposition to Batista’s regime led him to
form an unlikely alliance with Fidel Castro.45 Urrutia might not be the most powerful
revolutionary, but he might be able to gain support from moderate Cubans who could possibly
help win the war.
Celia Sanchez
A clandestine operative for the Cuban Revolutionaries whose work was crucial to the
success of the Revolution. After Castro’s return she organized medical aid and volunteers for the
new revolution.46 She would soon be in charge of “everything needed to sustain the rebel forces
in their guerrilla war” which included food, cloths, and guns.47 Because she is in charge of
supplies, without her approval not much will be achieved. She will also be in charge of
requesting supplies and keeping stock as to keep the Rebellion running.
41
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/01/world/americas/huber-matos-comrade-of-castro-then-adversary-dies-at-95.ht
ml
42
https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/01/world/americas/huber-matos-comrade-of-castro-then-adversary-dies-at-95.ht
ml
43
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/20/world/americas/20espin.html
44
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/20/world/americas/20espin.html
45
http://www.nytimes.com/1981/07/06/obituaries/manuel-urrutia-was-foe-of-castro.html
46
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-15986857
47
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-15986857
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William Morgan
William Morgan was an American guerilla fighter during the Cuban Revolution. He was
a hero in Castro’s army, helping to win several battles and gaining worldwide notoriety.48 A
brilliant military strategist and hero for the freedom fighters, he could potentially be used as a
propaganda tool to attract more American radicals. He is also a very smart political strategist.
Eloy Gutierrez
A leader of a separate but allied group of freedom fighters in Cuba. 49 Having lost his
brother in a failed assassination attempt on Batista months earlier, he sought revenge. 50 Gutierrez
started operating with his own Guerrilla group in the mountains of Cuba.51 Being a leader of a
different group of revolutionaries, Gutierrez holds a lot of power, and with his group of rebels
the revolution might succeed. However, his troops operate at his discretion, so he must be
convinced to fight with Castro’s revolution.
Carlos Prio Socarras
A political figure who was a member of the National Assembly, and later Prime Minister,
ultimately becoming President in 1948.52 However, in 1952 he was ousted by the the coup led by
Fulgencio Batista.53 In 1959 he returned to support Fidel Castro’s revolution.54 As an old
politician, Socarras has many connections and could use his power to gain international support
and volunteers for the revolution. He could also use his position to help with propaganda in
gaining more support for the revolutionaries.
Ernesto Betancourt
Betancourt was a registered agent in the United States of the 26th of July Movement in
the United States. His powers include rallying Americans to support the revolution and advising
Castro on American interests.55
Carlos Rafael Rodriguez
A communist leader in Cuba who, at first, did not seek out a violent revolution in Cuba.
Early on he denounced the Revolutionaries, but towards the end of the war he publicly supported
them.56 He’s a strong communist figure in Cuba, so if the rebellion seeks to gain support from
48
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/05/28/the-yankee-comandante
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/oct/28/local/la-me-eloy-gutierrez-menoyo-20121028
50
http://articles.latimes.com/2012/oct/28/local/la-me-eloy-gutierrez-menoyo-20121028
51
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/27/world/americas/eloy-gutierrez-menoyo-cuban-dissident-dies-at-77. tml
52
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carlos-Prio-Socarras
53
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carlos-Prio-Socarras
54
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carlos-Prio-Socarras
55
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/ernesto-betancourt-an-ally-and-then-a-critic-of-castro-dies/2011/
07/19/gIQAz7ZuOI_story.html?utm_term=.0f2c4d4cd82b
56
http://www.nytimes.com/1997/12/13/world/carlos-rodriguez-castro-ally-and-leftist-leader-dies-at-84.html
49
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the Communists, the revolutionaries must gain the full support of Rodriguez, making him very
powerful.
Bill Patterson
A CIA agent who worked with Castro’s Revolutionary forces and “might” have been
funneling the Revolutionaries weapons.57 As a CIA agent, Patterson is able to speak directly with
the U.S government and ask for monetary support, weapons, and covert military action. The CIA
and KGB are not friends, which will make working together challenging, but this might be the
U.S.’s time to gain permanent control over the island and its future.
Sergey Petrov (note: this position is fictionalized)
A Russian KGB agent who serves as the liaison between the Russians and
revolutionaries. He could serve as an ally or enemy who could make or break the revolution.
Sergey is able to speak directly to the Russian government, so he can ask for monetary support,
weapons, and maybe covert military support. Be wary, the KGB is not allied with the CIA or
other arms of the US government. If Sergey is successful he might be able to finally expel the
USA from Cuba, thus ending the USA’s interference in the region, and rely on support from the
C.C.C.P.
Questions to consider
1. How can both groups gain the support of the public in their search for power? What parts
of the general population is it most important to win over?
2. How can the revolution progress so that Cuba is stable and successful in the future?
3. How will actions taken in the Cuban Revolution affect the nation’s relationships with
foreign countries? How can the actions of foreign countries influence Cuba?
4. How can nonviolent methods, such as publication and peaceful resistance, be best
utilized?
5. How far are the revolutionaries willing to go to win the revolution? How will they be able
to justify their actions to their people and to the world?
Sources for further research
On the Cuban Revolution
http://www.economist.com/node/12851254
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7786082.stm
http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/remembering-fidel-castro-and-the-cuban-revolution
57
​http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98921086
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http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/cuban-revolution.html​ (This site has many helpful primary sources
about Cuban history in the twentieth century)
On Batista
http://www.people.fas.harvard.edu/~jidoming/images/jid_batista.PDF
http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/batista.htm
On Castro
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/26/world/americas/fidel-castro-dies.html?_r=0
http://www.economist.com/news/americas/21710922-cubas-communist-leader-who-outlasted-ten-america
n-presidents-has-died-age-90
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