Cuban and Asian Communist Revolutions: A Historical Analysis

The Cuban Revolution

In the mid-twentieth century, Cuba was ruled by Fulgencio Batista, who was supported by the U.S. Batista tried to diversify the Cuban economy, which was based on the production and exportation of sugar, with the construction of public works and tourism development. The corruption of the scheme produced a movement of opposition led by Fidel Castro. Castro and his followers launched a guerrilla war against Batista. In 1959, Batista fled, and Castro and his troops entered Havana.

Castro's Domestic Policy

Castro's domestic policy was based on the imposition of a communist state modeled on the USSR.

Economy

In the economy, measures were taken such as the collectivization of land and the nationalization of banks. Cuba's economy became dependent on the USSR, which exported sugar to the communist bloc and imported Soviet petroleum at a low price.

Society

The society was egalitarian, prompting thousands of citizens to flee to Miami. Living standards remained low to achieve equality in the economy.

Foreign Policy

Foreign policy was based on the alliance with the USSR. In the 1990s, Castro refused to carry out reforms of the communist system like those that took place in the USSR and Eastern Europe.

The Communist Revolution in China

In 1911, there was a national revolution in China led by Sun Yat-Sen, which ended the imperial regime and proclaimed the republic. From the 1920s, there was a civil war in several stages between the Nationalists and the Communists. The Communists obtained victory in 1949, and Mao Zedong was proclaimed president of China.

Economy

In economics, the revolution carried out by Mao was based on industrial development and increasing national productivity through a plan called the Great Leap Forward. In the mid-1960s, Mao carried out a campaign called the Cultural Revolution against intellectuals and critics of the Communist Party.

The Spread of Communism Throughout Asia

North Korea

In 1948, a communist regime was introduced in North Korea, which was a reproduction of the Stalinist system. Leading the country was Kim Il Sung, who imposed repressive totalitarianism, an economy based on heavy industry development, a large military effort, and a threatening foreign policy towards its neighbors.

Cambodia and Vietnam

Between 1975 and 1979, Cambodia was led by Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge. His attempt to impose an agricultural communism provoked the genocide of one-third of the population. In Vietnam, the North Vietnamese victory forced Communism throughout the country, and in 1976, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam was proclaimed. The Vietnamese invasion ended the Khmer Rouge regime, while rural resistance continued from the start of a civil war.

Laos

In 1975, the Lao People's Democratic Republic was proclaimed, dominated by communists. From 1986, some liberalization began, but power remained monopolized by the Communists.