Castro 1959-1975

Jan 1959

Castro formed the Office of the Revolutionary Plans and Co-ordination (ORPC).

This situation created dual power between the ORPC and the cabinet

Feb 1959

Castro became prime minister

April 1959

Castro suspends the elections

May 1959

National Institute of Agrarian Reform was set, absorbing the ORPC; setting Marxist Nunez Jimenez as its director

June 1959

several moderate members of the cabinet resigned over what they saw as ‘communistic’ policies.

July 1959

Urrutia and others began to make public criticisms of the
growing influence of communists. Which made Castro force him to resign

October 1959

Those who disliked the growing influence of the communists in Castro’s regime were put on trial for 'rebelion'.

November 1959

moderates or liberals had either resigned or been forced out of office

1960 Summary

Castro and his friends consolidated and centralized power

December 1960

Castro also assumed the
power to appoint new judges.

1968 Summary

Cuba became increasingly dependent on the Soviet Union.

1972 Summary

cabinet was enlarged, with an executive committee of eight which took over many of Castro’s functions

Colour code the information: green for reorganising; blue for directly building his power; red for dealing with opponents; any other categories??

Other facts:

1960-1966 saw the rise of several counter revolutionaries who rose against Castro: Thousands of Cubans died