Empire 175. The CIA vs Fidel Castro
Aug 7, 2024
In a riveting discussion, historian Alex von Tunzelmann, author of 'Red Heat', takes us through the tumultuous U.S.-Cuba relationship during Fidel Castro's rise to power. He explores how Castro transformed from a non-communist leader to a critical player in Cold War tensions. The failed Bay of Pigs invasion and its catastrophic aftermath are highlighted, along with the absurd assassination plots orchestrated by the CIA. Finally, the podcast delves into the high-stakes drama of the Cuban Missile Crisis, revealing how close the world came to nuclear catastrophe.
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Initial US-Cuba Relations Post-Batista
- Initial Cuban-American relations after Batista's fall were complex and not immediately hostile.
- The US was surprised by Batista's departure and initially viewed Castro's government favorably.
Show Trials and Executions
- Despite the moderate initial government, show trials and executions of Batista loyalists created fear.
- These actions signaled a potential shift towards a more authoritarian regime.
Nationalization and Political Factions
- Castro's nationalization of US properties, despite a seemingly moderate government, reveals a complex political landscape.
- Three factions vied for control: center-right, moderate center-left (including Castro), and the radical left (Che and Raul).
