Cuban Revolution Quiz: Questions About the Cold War Era

What was the date that the fragile democracy of Cuba came to an end with a coup d'etat orchestrated by Fulgencio Batista?

Who was Fulgencio Batista, and what did he do to take power in Cuba?

How did the United States respond to Batista's coup and dictatorship in Cuba?

Who was Fidel Castro, and what was his role in the emerging resistance movement against Batista's dictatorship?

What publication did Fidel Castro use to help organize the resistance against Batista's regime?

What was the significance of the Cuban Revolution during the Cold War period?

What is the host's name mentioned in the passage?

What is the main purpose of Squarespace, the sponsor of the video?

What are some of the key features of Squarespace's website-building platform mentioned in the passage?

The Coup in Cuba

On March 10, 1952, Fulgencio Batista orchestrated a coup d'etat in Cuba, ending the country's fragile democracy.
Batista, who had been President of Cuba from 1940 to 1944, was polling third in the general elections scheduled for June 1952 and decided to take power by force to avoid defeat.

Batista's Rule and US Support

Batista established a military dictatorship in Cuba, which was supported by the United States due to its significant financial interests in the country (utilities and sugar cane industry).
The US supported Batista's regime to maintain peace and ensure the flow of dollars.

Rise of Fidel Castro

Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, a young lawyer from a wealthy Cuban family, emerged as a key figure in the resistance against Batista's regime.
Castro had been politically active since the late 1940s as a member of the left-wing populist Partido Ortodoxo and had been running as a candidate in the cancelled 1952 elections.
The establishment of Batista's dictatorship led Castro to conclude that revolution was the only way to remove the military regime.

Castro's Early Efforts

Castro began to organize a revolution, recruiting people who could lead a guerrilla warfare campaign against the Batista regime.
He published and circulated a newsletter called El Acusador (The Accuser) to gain support.
Castro gathered around 1,500 activists, including disillusioned members of the Partido Ortodoxo and student leaders from universities in Cuba.
His followers donated guns and other necessary weapons for the revolution.

Test your knowledge on the Cuban Revolution within the context of the Cold War, including its impact on US-Cuba relations, the Bay of Pigs invasion, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Explore the historical significance of this event through a quiz hosted by David.