Fidel Castro took power in Cuba after the 1959 revolution, which ultimately resulted in the overthrow of the Batista government. The revolution was characterized by significant popular support and guerrilla warfare strategies led by Castro and his comrades, including Che Guevara and Camilo Cienfuegos. Following the revolution, Castro established a one-party socialist state, nationalizing industries and implementing wide-ranging social reforms. His leadership sparked intense debates over communism and governance, making Cuba a focal point of Cold War tensions, especially given its proximity to the United States and its alliance with the Soviet Union.