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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.
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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