In 2006, Castro transferred his responsibilities to Vice President Raúl Castro, who was elected to the presidency by the National Assembly in 2008. Castro died at the age of 90 from natural causes in November 2016. Castro was the longest-serving non-royal head of state in the 20th and 21st centuries and polarized world opinion about his rule.

Understanding the Context

Fidel Castro, Cuban political leader (1959–2008) who transformed his country into the first communist state in the Western Hemisphere. Castro became a symbol of communist revolution in Latin America. Fidel Castro | Biography, Cause of Death, Brother, & Facts - Britannica Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz was born in Birán (at that time in Oriente Province), Cuba, the son of a Spanish immigrant father, Ángel Castro, who was 55 at the time of his birth, and a Cuban-born mother of Canarian parentage, Lina Ruz. Castro’s regime was successful in reducing illiteracy, stamping out racism and improving public health care, but was widely criticized for stifling economic and political freedoms.

Key Insights

Fidel Castro was an important figure in the 20th century, known for his role as the leader of the Cuban Revolution and his enduring impact on Cuba and... - Castro and approximately 150 others attack the Moncada military barracks in Santiago de Cuba in an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Batista regime. The US Justice Department has filed criminal charges against former Cuban president Raúl Castro. Raul Castro's right-hand man says he’s ready to lead Cuba and negotiate its future with U.S. President Donald Trump, in exclusive USA Today interview.

Final Thoughts

Fidel Castro orchestrated the Cuban Revolution and was the head of Cuba's government until 2008.