Fidel Castro was a Cuban revolutionary leader who served as Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976 and then as President until 2008. He led the Cuban Revolution that overthrew the U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. As leader of Cuba, Castro established a communist government and close economic and military ties with the Soviet Union. This led to increased tensions with the U.S., including the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Castro maintained power as Cuba's leader for nearly 50 years until he resigned in 2008 due to poor health.

1. David Rollick and Reggie Curry