Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) Caribbean History Practice Exam

The significant political change that occurred in Cuba in 1959 was the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro. This revolution marked the overthrow of the Fulgencio Batista government, which had been characterized by corruption and repression. Following a series of guerrilla warfare tactics, Castro and his revolutionary forces successfully gained control of the government, leading to the establishment of a socialist state in Cuba. This change not only transformed the political landscape of Cuba but also had far-reaching implications for the entire Caribbean region and beyond, influencing Cold War dynamics and U.S.-Cuba relations for decades to come.

The Cuban Missile Crisis, although a pivotal event during the Cold War, occurred later, in 1962, and was a direct consequence of the political change brought about by the revolution. The Bay of Pigs Invasion, which took place in 1961, was an unsuccessful attempt by U.S.-backed Cuban exiles to overthrow Castro, further illustrating the ongoing tension following the revolution. The establishment of a democracy would suggest a return to elected government and political plurality, which contrasts sharply with the one-party state established by Castro after 1959. Hence, the Cuban Revolution stands out as the defining political shift in that year.