Cuba Libre!

Name three facts you know or think you know about Fidel Castro, the longtime leader of Cuba who died on Friday. Then, skim the events in the interactive “Fidel Castro: 1926-2016” to see what else you might learn.

Watch the Documentary: The Fidel Castro Tapes

Questions for Comprehension and Analysis

Note: Though we encourage you to read the entire obituary, answers to the following questions can be found in the first twelve paragraphs.


1. When did Fidel Castro come to power in Cuba?


2. What are some of the most noteworthy events that occurred while he was in power?


3. Who is Raúl Castro? Under what circumstances did he become the leader of Cuba?


4. How, according to the obituary, did Fidel Castro use his power with regard to the Cuban people?


5. What happened in December 2014 that “dialed down decades of antagonism between Washington and Havana”?


After you read the obituary and other articles, answer this question for yourself: Was Fidel Castro more a “ruthless despot who trampled rights and freedoms” or a “revolutionary hero for the ages,” in your opinion? Why?


Watch the video “The Uncertain Legacy of Fidel Castro,” then summarize the current political situation in Cuba.


Predict what you think will happen in Cuba over the next few years. Will Raúl Castro stay in power? Will its political system change or remain in place? Why do you think that?