CASTRO’S IDEOLOGY:
What did Castro believe?
When was his conversion? How?
Did ideology play a part in power?
What were his ideals?
Fidel Castro insisted his ideology was, first and foremost, Cuban. "There is
not Communism or Marxism, but representative democracy and social
justice in a well-planned economy," he said at the time.
Together with Che Guevara, Fidel Castro developed a new theory; The New
Man's Theory, which was basically that Cubans should no longer work for
personal benefits, but for the good outcome for everybody in the society. The
literacy rate was increased remarkably, and almost all Cubans could have free
quality health care. He also controlled strictly the ideological propaganda
machinery of Cuba, putting out neighborhood watch groups and controlling the
media, even banning such books as The Diary of Anne Frank.
His ideology was basically socialistic; he wanted to redistribute wealth and gain
back US controlled property in the nation, support social justice, strengthen the
national identity, provide for economic independence, and clear the nation of
damaging influence from powerful foreign nations in Cuba's affairs. In 1961,
Cuba was declared a socialist nation.
VALUES AND BELIEFS: anti- Americanism, independence, respect for the
constitution.
His philosophy evolves over many years;
- Initially a passionate nationalist at university.
- Keeps a distance from the communist regime at university.
- Travels in Latin America, meeting up with other student groups, he begins
to see the value of a Marxist organization, although is still not 100%
communist. He is able to see repression first hand (BOGOTA, 1948)
- Real philosophy emerges in the Sierra Maestras period: concept of
CENTENARIO (main ideology developed); adopting mantle of Marti to
create a new just and free Cuba, ready to share equally with others in a
just community.
Castro came to power in 1959, during 1959 and 1960, Castro made radical
changes in Cuba including nationalizing industry, collectivizing agriculture, and
seizing American- owned business and farms. Also during these two years,
Castro alienated the United States and established strong ties with the Soviet
Union. Castro transformed Cuba into a communist country.
