What were Castros main policies and how successful were they?

PoliticsJames and EricWhat were Castros main policies and how successful were they?

Power does not interest me, and I will not take it Fidel Castro in Cuba, January 1959What were Castros beliefs, what policies did he implement and were they successful? Are there different viewpoints from different historians?The Cuban revolution is not a class revolution, but a liberation movement that has overthrown a dictatorial, tyrannical government Guevara, 1960InitiallyRestore government and eliminate the old corrupt and abusive, illegitimate systemInitially promised democracy and freedomElected by a supernatural authority or some historical force Centralized controlActive engagement over Theoretical pursuits all goals were set optimistically, met with maximum effort

Until Castro, the U.S. was so overwhelmingly influential in Cuba that the American ambassador was the second most important man, sometimes even more important than the Cuban president." Earl T. Smith, former American Ambassador to Cuba, during 1960 testimony to the U.S. SenateYouTube Video >40 secondsFurther ConsolidationMarxist-Leninism became a required subject in universityWell established radio and television to spread his revolutionary messages60s - Redistribution to the poorWorms and ImperialistsIneffectiveness of Labour unions, the ANAP and FMC

"...[communist] influence is nothing. I don't agree with communism. We are democracy. We are against all kinds of dictators... That is why we oppose communism." Fidel Castro 25/5/59Presidency and Positions1959 , Prime Minister CubaIn 1965 First Secretary of the Communist Party of CubaIn 1976, the office became abolished and he became President of the Council of State, Council of Ministers and Comandante en JefeIntestinal surgery , diverticulitis, Castro delegated his responsibilities to First Vice-President, Ral Castro, on July 31, 2006. On February 19, 2008, five days before his ruling mandate was to expire, he resigned.On February 24, 2008, the National Assembly elected Ral Castro to succeed himRevolution first, elections later".- Fidel CastroI'm really happy to reach 80. I never expected it, not least having a neighbor - the greatest power in the world - trying to kill me every day - CastroAttitudes over the yearsBecame Communist Party of Cuba in 1965 (PCC) Very hierarchical governmentEstablish a strong sense of nationalismMass organizations beginning in the 60sIllegalized strikes and protestEncouraged free markets at one pointIntolerant to critics, gradual tolerance after the 70s

Armando Hart, a member of Castro's innermost ruling group, made the extremely significant observation that:. . . it is certain that capitalism had attained high levels of organization, efficiency and production that declined after the RevolutionGradual Decentralization (>76)Internal politics eliminated potential threats, especially PSP members (Old Communist Party)Assigned key politburo positionsNew National Assembly with legislative powers formed in 1976Electoral Law and limited ability The Committee for Defense of Revolution (CDR) begin community work, less politics

Castro constructed a "repressive machinery" which "continues to deprive Cubans of their basic rights".[ - Sergio Diaz-Briquets and Jorge F. Prez-Lpez Servando Some Internal PoliticsThe removal of PerezPolicies in the 70s favored PSP members, Castro took their adviceDecreasing military influence in party (58% in 65 to 17% in 86), More Civic Soldiers*Note there were no electrons from 59-76* Gradual freedom now

Issues of Equality/Freedom1970s Cases would be dismissed without sufficient evidenceConsiderable freedom of expression by 1980Mass Media handled by the State(censored), 1960Homosexual hostility in 60s and 80sLibya has named the Cuban president, Fidel Castro, winner of the Moamar Gadaffi Human Rights Prize -- in recognition of what it says is Mr. Castro's resistance to imperialism and defense of democratic values. - BBC NewsCastro constructed a "repressive machinery" which "continues to deprive Cubans of their basic rights". Human Rights Watchhomosexuals should not be allowed in positions where they are able to exert influence upon young people Fidel CastroAcceptance to CriticismRadical policies soon became unacceptable by the publicLocal levels, encouraged to criticize specific problemsFree expression of Arts and Literary forms, although self-censorship80s ANAP and FMC have increasing influence again, managers also had greater say in their workplacesMiscellaneous Political IssuesCentral Committee members aged and tend to be from the same generation, lack of renewalDespite trends in the 70s towards de-centralization, Cuba was still highly centralized, decision making lied within a few members in HavanaPolicies influenced successful battles and overcoming illiteracy but social and economical breakdowns in 60sAiding foreign countries for revolutionCuban internationalists have done so much for African independence, freedom, and justice Nelson Mandelahttp://www.cubaverdad.net/revolution.htmWikipediaCuba: a short historyYoutube