Fidel Castro

Date of Birth: August 13, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: November 25, 2016

Biography

Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz was a Cuban revolutionary and statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976 and as President from 1976 to 2008. Born into a wealthy farming family, he became a prominent figure in Cuban politics after leading the Cuban Revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of the dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. Castro’s government established a one-party socialist state, nationalizing industry and implementing policies that significantly impacted Cuban society and the economy. His leadership was characterized by his staunch anti-imperialism and his contentious relationship with the United States, which included the failed Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Castro’s influence extended beyond Cuba as he supported revolutionary movements in Latin America and Africa. He stepped down from his presidential role in 2008 due to health issues and passed away in 2016.

5 Interesting Facts about Fidel Castro

1. Fidel Castro survived over 600 assassination attempts, according to Cuban intelligence.

2. He was a talented orator and often gave speeches that lasted several hours.

3. Castro was a law graduate from the University of Havana.

4. He was known for his prolific writing, including numerous articles and reflections on global politics.

5. Fidel Castro handed over power to his brother Raúl Castro in 2008.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Fidel Castro

1. “History will absolve me.”

2. “A revolution is not a bed of roses. A revolution is a struggle between the future and the past.”

3. “The first duty of a revolutionary is to be educated.”

4. “They talk about the failure of socialism but where is the success of capitalism in Africa, Asia, and Latin America?”

5. “Men do not shape destiny. Destiny produces the man for the hour.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Fidel Castro’s net worth was estimated to be around $900 million, although he fervently denied these claims.

Children

Fidel Castro had at least nine children: 1. Fidel Ángel “Fidelito” Castro Díaz-Balart (1949–2018) 2. Alina Fernández (born 1956) 3. Antonio Castro Soto del Valle 4. Alejandro Castro Soto del Valle 5. Alexis Castro Soto del Valle 6. Alexander Castro Soto del Valle 7. Ángel Castro Soto del Valle 8. Francisco Castro Soto del Valle 9. Juanita Castro (adopted niece)