What were the primary causes of the Cuban Revolution?

The Cuban Revolution was primarily caused by socio-economic inequalities, political corruption, and the influence of radical ideologies.

The socio-economic inequalities in Cuba were a significant factor that led to the Cuban Revolution. Prior to the revolution, Cuba was characterised by a wide gap between the rich and the poor. The majority of the wealth was concentrated in the hands of a small elite, while the majority of the population lived in poverty. This disparity was exacerbated by the dominance of foreign corporations, particularly American, in the Cuban economy. These corporations controlled significant portions of the Cuban sugar industry, the country's main source of income, leaving little wealth for the Cuban people. The resentment and frustration caused by these inequalities fuelled the desire for a revolution.

Political corruption was another major cause of the Cuban Revolution. The government of Fulgencio Batista, who seized power in a military coup in 1952, was widely perceived as corrupt and illegitimate. Batista's regime was marked by widespread censorship, political repression, and human rights abuses. His government was also closely aligned with the United States, which was seen by many Cubans as a form of neo-colonialism. The lack of political freedom and the perceived illegitimacy of the Batista regime created a climate of discontent that was ripe for revolution.

Finally, the influence of radical ideologies, particularly Marxism, played a crucial role in the Cuban Revolution. The revolutionary leaders, including Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, were deeply influenced by Marxist ideas. They saw the revolution as a means to create a socialist society in Cuba, free from foreign domination and socio-economic inequalities. The appeal of these radical ideologies, particularly among the poor and the disenfranchised, was a key factor in mobilising support for the revolution.

IB History Tutor Summary: The Cuban Revolution was driven by socio-economic inequalities, with wealth concentrated among a few and the majority living in poverty, exacerbated by foreign corporate dominance. Political corruption under Fulgencio Batista, marked by repression and U.S. alignment, fuelled discontent. Additionally, radical Marxist ideologies influenced leaders like Castro, appealing to those seeking a fairer society.