Overview
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926–2016) was a Cuban politician and revolutionary who led Cuba from 1959 to 2008. Serving as prime minister from 1959 to 1976 and president from 1976 to 2008, he was also the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from 1965 until 2011. Ideologically a Marxist–Leninist and Cuban nationalist, Castro's administration transformed Cuba into a one-party communist state, nationalizing industry and business and implementing socialist reforms. He played a key role in the Cuban Revolution, leading the 26th of July Movement in a guerrilla war against Fulgencio Batista's forces.
Historical Periods
Cuban Nationalists (1895–1897)
1895 CE – 1897 CE
Area: 56,428 km²
Cuban Nationalists (1898–1899)
1898 CE – 1899 CE
Area: 56,921 km²