biography
| name: |
Batista (y Zaldívar), Fulgencio
|
pronunciation:
[bateesta]
| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1901–73)
|
| biography:
| Cuban soldier and dictator, born in Oriente province. A labourer's son, he rose from sergeant-major to colonel in the army coup against President Machado (1931–3) and was later elected president (1940–4), fostering a major programme of social and economic reform. He stepped down in 1944, and travelled abroad, but returned to power following another army revolt in 1952, overthrowing President Prio Socorras. This regime was marked by oppression and corruption, and he was overthrown by Fidel Castro in 1959. He then found refuge in the Dominican Republic. |
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