Question: “Castro’s suppression of opposition was the most important factor in his maintenance of power.” To what extent do you agree? Flashcards
(9 cards)
Thesis
Repression was critical to Castro’s rule, but social reform and nationalist ideology helped maintain legitimacy and support among the population.
Proof 1
CDRs (local surveillance)
What were they?
Created in 1960, the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDRs) were neighborhood surveillance units that monitored citizens for anti-revolutionary behavior.
What did they do?
Reported on “counter-revolutionaries,” dissidents, or suspicious activity — effectively created a culture of mutual distrust and fear.
Why did it matter?
They helped control opposition at the local level and kept Castro’s regime deeply embedded in everyday life.
IB concept link:
A tool of authoritarian social control — CDRs exemplify the use of internal surveillance and fear to preserve regime stability.
Proof 2
UMAP camps (labor, dissenters)
What were they?
UMAP = Military Units to Aid Production — forced labor camps set up by Castro’s government between 1965 and 1968.
Who was sent there?
People considered “socially deviant”: political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, religious believers, and intellectuals.
What was the goal?
To “reeducate” and punish those who did not align with revolutionary ideals, under the guise of military service and agricultural work.
Why did it matter?
UMAP camps were a powerful symbol of repression — they eliminated opposition, intimidated critics, and reinforced conformity.
IB concept link:
A tool of ideological purification and fear — showed Castro’s willingness to violate human rights to maintain power.
Proof 3
National Literacy Campaign (1961)
What was it?
A massive government effort in 1961 to eradicate illiteracy across Cuba — over 250,000 volunteers were sent to teach rural and poor populations.
What did it achieve?
Literacy rates rose from around 76% to over 96% in just one year — especially in the countryside.
Why did it matter politically?
It created strong grassroots support for the regime, promoted Castro’s ideology, and tied social uplift directly to revolutionary success.
IB concept link:
A form of soft power and legitimacy — instead of fear, this campaign shows how social reform can consolidate control by winning hearts and minds.
Proof 4
Bay of Pigs (external threat justification)
What happened?
In April 1961, the U.S. backed an invasion by Cuban exiles aimed at overthrowing Castro. It failed disastrously within 3 days.
Why was it important?
The invasion boosted Castro’s legitimacy — he portrayed it as proof of U.S. imperialism and labeled all opposition as foreign-backed traitors.
Internal consequence:
Used as justification to crack down harder on dissent, increase militarization, and rally nationalist support around his leadership.
IB concept link:
A classic example of external threat used to justify internal repression — blending fear, nationalism, and consolidation of power.
Proof 5
Castro’s charisma and symbolic presence
What was his style?
Castro was a gifted orator known for his marathon speeches, military fatigues, and consistent public visibility.
Symbolic presence:
He embodied the image of the Revolution — humble, anti-imperialist, and always “with the people.” This gave him emotional legitimacy.
Why did it matter?
Even without a formal cult of personality like Stalin or Mao, Castro built deep loyalty and identification with the Cuban masses.
IB concept link:
Demonstrates soft power and performative legitimacy — charisma helped mask repression and sustain long-term popular support.
Perspectives
Orthodox: Castro maintained power through fear
Revisionist: Castro built genuine legitimacy through reform
Eval. of Perspectives
Both were key: repression silenced critics, but reform earned loyalty
IB Concept
continuity
