The Consolidation of Fidel Castro’s Power Between 1959...

Castro and his 26th of July Movement took over Cuba’s streets in January 1959. Though Castro’s charismatic and vibrant personality quickly won him astonishing support, he knew that he had to consolidate his political power by ensuring the trust of the population. The consolidation of Fidel Castro’s power between 1959 and1961 was more of a result of domestic issues rather than United States economic policies. In order, to consolidate power, it was known that the reminder of the revolutionary groups that were involved in the fight against Batista had to be quickly eliminated, so as not to challenge his political ambitions. The revolutionaries brought many of Batista’s prominent military and civilian leaders before trial which were†¦show more content†¦Castro was prepared to eliminate key members of the party for the sake of reinforcing his own power. Thus by July Castro had effectively taken over as leader of Cuba where the nationalist reformers of the government were replaced by his more radical colleagues for example Che Guevara replaced Felipe Pazos. Additionally, Castro argued that elections would interfere with the priorities of new Cuba i.e. full employment, expended health care, extended education and the need to create a new political consciousness among the people. (Leonard). Additionally, Castro’s introduction of land reforms led to an increased support among the Cuban masses whereby making him immensely popular. During the first nine months of 1959 an estimated 1,500 decrees, laws and edicts were enacted. The most change though came with the passing of the Agrarian Reform Act in May 1959 which stated all real estate holdings were restricted in size (1000 acres except for sugar, rice and livestock farms) and the land that exceeded the limits established by the government was nationalized. Most historians assert that this action increased Castro’s support by the masses thereby giving him power. However, Pà ©rez-Stable states