feb 16, 1959 - Fidel Castro becomes the Leader of Cuba

Description:

Fidel Castro overthrew the previous dictatorship and was announced the Prime Minister of Cuba.
He initially claimed to be a democrat, but quickly reveals himself to be a Communist.

Significance: Cuba was located just south of Florida. With its conversion to communism, the Soviets gained an ally that they could use to directly attack the US with. This became an issue due to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

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