Changes
Batista was eventually overthrown by a popular revolution spreading from the east of the island, and fled the country on January 1st 1959. The key turning point in the 6 year long struggle was in 1958 when the U.S. ceased selling Batista arms. These arms had been effective in suppressing the rebels and brutally terrorizing agricultural workers, who had supported the revolution, into submission. A new government took over chosen by Castro and headed by traditional liberals [[Manuel Urrutia Lleó]] and [[José Miró Cardona]]. Castro became head of the new armed forces before quickly maneuvering himself into the position of prime minister.
Batista's second capitalist dictatorship killed 20 000 people - not included those who died of hunger or because of not being able to pay health care. Even right extremist [[Rudolph J. Rumble]] agree that only 15 000 was executed by the Cuban government between 1959 and 1987. Remember that Rumble is controversial and not to believe on socialist countries. A more believable estimate, but though subjective, is the [[Black Book of Communism]], saying 15-17 000 in the period 1959-1999.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Batista, Fulgencio}}
[[Category:Dictatorsbacked by the United States]][[Category:Capitalist dictators]][[Category:Capitalists]]
