Fidel Castro: A Detailed Biography

Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz (1926–2016) was the Cuban revolutionary who overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959, ruled Cuba for 49 years, survived 638 assassination attempts, and turned the island into the Western Hemisphere’s only communist state. Ally of Che Guevara and the Soviet Union, he defied 11 U.S. presidents and brought the world to the brink of nuclear war in 1962. This biography covers his privileged childhood, revolutionary war, decades in power, and final years, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the BBC, and the History.com.

Early Life in Birán

Illegitimate Son of a Sugar Planter

Born on August 13, 1926, in Birán, Oriente province, Fidel was the illegitimate son of wealthy Spanish immigrant landowner Ángel Castro and his cook Lina Ruz. Raised Catholic, he attended Jesuit schools and developed a strong sense of justice, as detailed by the Smithsonian Magazine.

University of Havana and Radicalisation

Studied law at the University of Havana (1945–1950). Involved in student politics and a failed 1947 expedition against Dominican dictator Trujillo. Married philosophy student Mirta Díaz-Balart in 1948; son Fidelito born 1949.

Attack on Moncada Barracks (1953)

On July 26, 1953, Fidel led 160 rebels in an attack on the Moncada barracks in Santiago de Cuba. The assault failed; many were executed, but Fidel’s trial speech “History Will Absolve Me” became a revolutionary manifesto. Sentenced to 15 years, he was amnestied after 22 months, as preserved by the Marxists Internet Archive.

26th of July Movement and Cuban Revolution

Granma Landing and Sierra Maestra

Exiled to Mexico, Fidel, brother Raúl, and Che Guevara sailed back on the yacht Granma in December 1956. Only 18 survived to reach the Sierra Maestra mountains. From there they waged a two-year guerrilla war. On January 1, 1959, Batista fled; Fidel entered Havana in triumph, as documented by the National Geographic.

Rule of Cuba (1959–2008)

Land reform, nationalisation of U.S. companies, and literacy campaigns transformed Cuba — but at the cost of political prisoners and mass exodus. Castro survived the Bay of Pigs (1961), Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), and decades of U.S. embargo, as chronicled by the CIA FOIA.

Personal Life

Divorced Mirta in 1955. Long relationship with Celia Sánchez (died 1980). Had at least nine acknowledged children. Famous for 10+ hour speeches, Cuban cigars, and olive-green fatigues.

Retirement and Death

Fidel Castro’s Enduring Impact

Ill health forced Fidel to hand power to brother Raúl in 2006 (temporary) and 2008 (permanent). He died on November 25, 2016, aged 90. His ashes are in Santiago de Cuba. The Cuban Revolution he led remains in power today, as reported by the Reuters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fidel Castro

Why Is Fidel Castro Famous?

For the 1959 Cuban Revolution and ruling Cuba for 49 years.

How Long Did Fidel Castro Rule Cuba?

49 years — 1959–2008.

Where Was Fidel Castro Born?

Birán, Cuba, August 13, 1926.

What Was the Bay of Pigs?

Failed 1961 U.S.-backed invasion crushed in 72 hours.

What Was Castro’s Role in the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Allowed Soviet missiles in Cuba — 1962 crisis.

Did Fidel Castro Ever Marry?

Yes — Mirta Díaz-Balart 1948–1955; many other relationships.

How Did Fidel Castro Die?

Natural causes November 25, 2016, aged 90.