How and why did Fidel Castro rise to power in 1959? NOV07
Candidates should be able to identify the reasons that led to the downfall of Batista and the rise of Castro as well as the methods used by the latter to rise to power in 1959. Reasons may include: social inequalities due to highly concentrated ownership of land and an inadequate distribution of income; economic problems caused by a highly US dependent economy of monoculture –aggravated by the deep decline of sugar prices and their effects on purchasing power; growing opposition to US influence in Cuba. Also, the role played by Batista: his illegitimate rule, the use of repression and the excesses committed against opponents which led to the loss of support from the middle class and the cutting off of US arms supplies; the fact that he had underestimated Castro, setting him free. Finally, Castro’s own personality should also be examined: he represented a new generation demanding change and led a movement of enormous popularity.
Methods could include: Castro’s use of oratory and charisma; the promises of a new Cuba and his appeal to the notion of “Cubanness” which generated workers’ and peasants’ support; the Granma expedition and the use of guerrilla warfare – for which Batista’s government was unprepared; the contributions of leaders such as Ernesto “Che” Guevara, Camilo Cienfuegos, Raul Castro, etc.
“By 1962 Castro’s domestic policy had successfully transformed cuba.” To what extent do you agree with this statement? NOV06
Expect different points of view in answer to this question. Candidates could first explain the term “success”, perhaps pointing out problems under Batista, and then explaining how the Castro regime addressed these problems or they could explain what Castro hoped to achieve and then judge his successes.
Candidates might note educational, health care, and housing reforms in addition to major land reform. They could discuss Cuba’s break from dependence on the United States, trials of Batista followers, and victory with the Bay of Pigs. It could be argued that by 1962, the average Cuban was better off in many respects than he had been prior to the Revolution and that the country was more egalitarian.
On the other hand, rationing had to be introduced in 1962, the Cubans were turning more to the USSR for economic and military support, and industry was not developing at the rate Castro had hoped. Candidates might point out the regime’s actions towards citizen participation in government, policies in regard to civil liberties, and treatment of dissidents.
For what reasons, and with what results for the economy of Cuba, did Castro become ruler of Cuba? MAY05
For what reasons. Answers could include use of some of the following: Batista’s ruthlessand corrupt dictatorial rule; revolutionary potential of the island; Castro’s leadership,including success of guerrilla tactics and pragmatic content of his campaign; evaporation ofsupport for Batista, and his flight to the Dominican Republic.
With what results. Analysis of effects on the Cuban economy could refer to some of thefollowing: introduction of Marxist-Leninist programme; agrarian reform; overthrow of USeconomic dominance, including nationalization of many US firms; US trade embargo; USSRpatronage; continuing economic problems, exacerbated by collapse of the USSR.
Do not expect all the above. Answers may focus on immediate results, long-term results, orboth. Whatever the approach, expect well-substantiated analysis for high marks.
[14 to 16+ marks] for well-focused analysis of reasons for Castro replacing Batista and theeffects on the economy, with marks depending on balance, depth and detail of the analysis.
Compare and contrast the causes of two revolutionary movements in Latin America after 1945. NOV04
Answers will vary according to the selected countries. The most probable examples are:Cuba, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Chile. Each has their own particular causes but some similarities to be taken into account might be: economic problems, political repression ,foreign intervention, appeal of Marxism, political corruption and inequalities. Differences: leadership.
Analyse the successes and failures of Castro’s social and economic policies in the period 1960-1990. MAY04
The focus of the answer should be on social and economic policies. Candidates will probably refer to health programmes, education and land distribution as positive factors. Censorship, torture and limitations on personal freedom will probably be mentioned as negative effects. Probably the relationship between the USSR and Castro will be discussed, but focus should be on social and economic policies. Strong answers will offer well-substantiated analysis of both aspects and show awareness of the period mentioned in the question.
Do not expect equal treatment of social and economic policies, but if only one is addressed then the maximum is [12 marks]. When marking do not consider the ideological posture of the candidate; marks should be awarded according to the relevance of the argument and the detail in the supporting evidence.
“Land reform is the single most important issue in Latin America since 1945.” Evaluate this view with specific reference to one country of the region. NOV02
Answers may vary in agreement or disagreement but probably most will tend to agree with the statement. Good examples can be Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico and Chile. A very good opportunity for candidates to write about their own country.
“Social problems were the main motivation for revolutionary changes in Latin America after the Second World War.” Discuss the validity of this statement with reference to one country of South or Central America, or the Caribbean. NOV02
This is an open question which depends on what is understood as “revolutionary changes” and “social problems”; look for these definitions. Some examples could be; Bolivia, Peru, Argentina or Chile, but any country that has experienced “revolutionary changes” can be accepted, including Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala. Although all of them had similarities each one had their own particular “social problems” which should be mentioned.
To what extent has economic failure been characteristic of Latin American military governments between the 1960s and 1980s? Explain your answer using examples of two countries of the region. NOV01 A
Answers to this question might argue that the assertion is true to a large extent. The most significant exception was the case of Pinochet in Chile. Candidates could use as examples some of the following: Brazil military rule (1964ñ84); Argentina (1976ñ84); Pinochet in Chile (1973ñ82); Peru (1968ñ1975) or any country of their choice.
Candidates must discuss what were the problems that affected the county, what strategies the military used and how their economic policies were a failure or success. Candidates should recognize the demands of the question and make reference to the demand, ìto what extentî.
‘Castro’s rule in Cuba from 1959 to 1990 was mainly successful.’ How far do you agree with this claim? NOV01
Expect a variety of answers and accept those that are supported with analysis and historical evidence. The social reforms should be included in order to assess the validity of this point of view. Arguments that could be made in favor: economic equality, education, health, etc. Arguments that could be made against: capitalistic dictatorship, replaced by communist dictatorship. The issue of the Cuban exiles might be addressed as evidence that it was not a true social revolution since some classes were not included.
To what extent was Castro able to achieve his aims between 1959 and 1990, and what prevented him from achieving more? MAY00
Reward answers which show an appreciation of the complexity of the question, rather than seeing it as a simple ideological argument. Answers that identify a number of Castroís aims and set about assessing the extent of his success will merit [11 to 13 marks] for focused comment, or [14 to 16 marks] for consistent, well informed and well focused analysis. The best answers [16+ marks] will be able to use the timescale in the question effectively and explore different interpretations that exist. Maximum of [12 marks] if the second part of the question is totally ignored, but be alert to implicit explanation in answers.
An assessment of domestic reforms should make reference to land reform, nationalisation and social programmes. Reward detail on the changes achieved - and look for detail up to 1990. The limitations of Castroís success might be linked to on-going tensions with the United States and the economic consequences of this. In addition, the political mobilisation resulting from ëthe siegeí could be used to explain some of the misjudgements of the 1960s, e.g. the undermining of private enterprise in farming. In foreign affairs, Cuba clearly broke free of dependence upon the United States, but the nature of its relationship with the Soviet Union should be critically examined, particularly the decision to focus upon exporting sugar to the USSR and eastern Europe. Arguably, Cuba was more dependent by the late 1980s than in the 1960s, leaving her exposed when Soviet power collapsed. Good answers should also consider Castroís political aims, but do not demand all of the above for high marks.
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