Castro's Cuba

Socialism or death
Havana is full of signs proclaiming things like "Long live Fidel" and "Socialism or death." This one reads "We have and we will have socialism."
MPR Photo / Nikki Tundel

About a million people fled Cuba when Fidel Castro took control in 1959. Since then, many of these exiles have been dreaming of the day his socialist rule comes to an end.

Castro has survived a trade embargo, his country's economic struggles and hundreds of assassination attempts by the CIA to become the world's longest-ruling head of government.

Cuban leader Fidel Castro
Fidel Castro became Prime Minister of Cuba in February 1959 and has held power ever since. More than 60 percent of Cubans have not experienced life under any other leader.
Photo by ADALBERTO ROQUE/AFP/Getty Images

At this point, most are convinced the only thing that can remove Fidel from power is his death. So, as the Cuban president underwent surgery at the end of July, crowds of Cuban-Americans celebrated, hoping he wouldn't pull through.

The U.S. government was on the edge of its seat, too. American politicians have long wanted to see Cuba become a democracy -- and a place to sell American products. And many believe Castro's death will trigger reform in Cuba.

Of course, three weeks after being hospitalized, Fidel is still alive and kickin'. And it's business as usual on the island nation.

Political scientist David Samuels, a professor at the University of Minnesota, says, even if Castro had died, it's presumptuous to assume the 47-year-old regime would just crumble in his absence.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.