From Machado’s Fall to the Rise of Fidel Castro

Cuba and the US’s history is much more than cigars, the Castros, embargo, and Che Guevara tees. Join us for part 2 which takes us through the post-Machado military period, the establishment of the Second Cuban Republic, and its rapid descent into corruption and violence culminating in Castro's coup.

[00:00] Intro and Cuba Libres

[00:27] Batista Rises to Power

[01:56] Progressive 1940 Constitution

[02:46] Peaceful Transfer and Recovery

[04:47] Authentico Corruption Era

[05:38] Cold War Labor Purge

[06:25] Gangster Politics and Mafia

[10:01] Chibas and Ortodoxo Surge

[11:16] Radio Suicide Shocks Cuba

[12:58] Batista 1952 Coup

[15:05] Racket State and US Backing

[17:06] Castro Enters the Fight

[18:52] Guerrilla War Takes Hold

[19:59] Batista Falls New Years 1959

[20:50] Castro Era Takeaways

[21:49] Invasion Talk Returns

[22:51] Energy Crisis vs Iran

[24:54] Why Embargo Persists

[26:34] Embargo vs Blockade

[28:08] Time to Move On From Grudges?

[31:30] Cuban Exiles Politics

[34:43] Cuba vs Iran Complexity

[37:29] Closing Toast Goodbye