| Republica Unida de Cuba | |
|---|---|
|
Population |
10,000,000 |
|
Capital |
La Habana |
|
Head of State |
Fulgencio Batista y Zalvidar (1940-1944), Carlos Saladrigas Zayas (1944-1956), Osvaldo Dorticos Torrado (1956-1964), Camilo Cienfuegos Gorriaran (from 1964) |
|
Ruling Party |
Democratic Socialist Coalition |
|
Head of Government |
Carlos Saladrigas Zayas (1940-1942), Ramon Zaydin (1942-1944), Fulgencio Batista y Zalvidar (1944-1953), Fidel Castro Ruiz (1953-1964), Raul Castro Ruiz (from 1964) |
History[]
A former protectorate of the United States of America and a close regional ally. President Fulgencio Bastista stepped down in 1944, displaying the committment to democracy that was suddenly expected from US allies. His nominated successor, Saladrigas Zayas continued his progressive policies. Batista was however regarded as retaining too much power in his own hands, becoming Prime Minister after leaving the presidency. In 1953 Batista was forced into retirement in the USA. He was replaced as Prime Minister by Fidel Castro, who was regarded as a more loyal and pliable figure by Washington. Fidel Castro himself was removed in 1964 and replaced as Prime Minister by his own brother, Raul Castro.