Fidel Castro hands over power to his brother, Raúl.

Fidel Castro was a central figure in 20th-century world politics, best known as the revolutionary leader who transformed Cuba into a one-party communist state. Born in 1926, Fidel led the Cuban Revolution, which overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. As Prime Minister (later President) and First Secretary of the Communist Party, he nationalized industries, implemented land reforms, and aligned closely with the Soviet Union during the Cold War—leading to defining moments like the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Fiercely anti-imperialist, Fidel’s leadership was marked by a mix of ideological commitment and authoritarian control, which earned him both global admiration and sharp criticism. His speeches were legendary for their length and firebrand tone, symbolizing his lifelong dedication to socialism and Cuban independence from U.S. influence.

Raúl Castro, Fidel’s younger brother, played a quieter but equally vital role in shaping modern Cuba. As the head of the Revolutionary Armed Forces for decades, Raúl ensured the military remained a powerful and loyal pillar of the Cuban government. He officially took over leadership in 2008 when Fidel’s health declined, becoming President and later First Secretary of the Communist Party. Unlike Fidel’s often rigid approach, Raúl introduced a series of cautious economic reforms, such as legalizing small businesses and relaxing restrictions on travel and property ownership. While still upholding the one-party system, Raúl showed a more pragmatic face of Cuban socialism, even restoring diplomatic ties with the U.S. under the Obama administration in 2015. His governance marked the beginning of a generational shift away from the Castro era.