The leader of the Cuban Revolution was Fidel Castro, who, alongside his comrade Che Guevara and others, overthrew the Batista government in 1959. Castro's passionate commitment to Marxism-Leninism and social reform drove the revolutionary movement. After successfully seizing power, Castro became the Prime Minister and later the President of Cuba, instituting sweeping reforms, including the nationalization of industries and land redistribution. His leadership also led to a contentious relationship with the United States, culminating in events such as the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis, significantly impacting international relations during the Cold War.