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Empire
175. The CIA vs Fidel Castro
Aug 7, 2024
Join historian and author Alex von Tunzelmann as she dives into the high-stakes drama of U.S.-Cuba relations during the Cold War. Discover how Fidel Castro's evolving ideology drew the ire of the CIA, leading to the infamous Bay of Pigs invasion and bizarre assassination plots. Uncover the tension of the Cuban Missile Crisis as nuclear threats loomed dangerously close to home. Alex reveals how these events shaped not just Cuba's future, but also the geopolitical landscape, showcasing the play of desperate strategies and fervent ideals.
56:06
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Quick takeaways
- The initial American perception of Fidel Castro's regime was that it was moderate, which quickly shifted as radical changes began to unfold.
- The ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion served as a turning point, hardening Castro's resolve and pushing him closer to the Soviet Union.
Deep dives
Cuban-American Relations Post-Castro's Rise
The relationship between Cuba and America became complex after Fidel Castro's success in ousting Batista. In the beginning, there was a misunderstanding as the Americans were taken by surprise and initially viewed Castro's government as moderate and not overtly communist. Prominent figures, such as Hemingway, celebrated the change, believing it was a positive move away from corruption. However, shortly after, the execution of Batista's supporters initiated a series of events that started to create tension, as America began to realize the radical shifts taking place in the island nation.
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Discover
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