Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz was born on August 13, 1926, in Cuba. He came from a relatively prosperous family but was raised alongside the children of impoverished laborers on his father's farm. This upbringing instilled in him a deep understanding of the struggles faced by the less fortunate.
Castro began his revolutionary journey early in life, studying law at the University of Havana and becoming involved in anti-imperialist movements. In 1953, he led an unsuccessful attack on the Moncada Barracks, but this event marked the beginning of his rise to power.
After serving time in prison for his failed attempt to overthrow the Cuban government, Castro went into exile in Mexico, where he formed the 26th of July Movement. In 1956, he returned to Cuba with a small group of revolutionaries, including Che Guevara, to continue the fight against the regime of Fulgencio Batista.
On January 1, 1959, Castro and his forces successfully overthrew Batista, leading to Castro's appointment as Prime Minister. He quickly set about implementing sweeping reforms, including land redistribution and the nationalization of industries.
One of the most significant events of Castro's rule was the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Castro's alliance with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev led to the installation of nuclear missiles in Cuba, sparking a tense standoff with the United States. Ultimately, a diplomatic resolution was reached, preventing a nuclear war.
Despite his tumultuous political career, Castro also had a personal life. He was married twice, first to Mirta Diaz-Balart from 1948 to 1955, and later to Dalia Soto del Valle in 1980. He had a total of seven sons and two daughters.
Throughout his time in power, Castro faced numerous challenges, including assassination attempts and economic struggles. Despite these obstacles, he remained a symbol of resistance against imperialism for many around the world.
In 2008, Castro stepped down as President of Cuba, handing over power to his younger brother, Raul Castro. Fidel Castro passed away on November 25, 2016, leaving behind a complex legacy as a revolutionary leader and a divisive figure in world history.