The revolutionary leader known for his role in the Cuban Revolution is Fidel Castro. Emerging in the 1950s, Castro led a successful guerrilla campaign against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. His forces, which included notable figures like Che Guevara, ultimately seized power in 1959, establishing a socialist state in Cuba. Castro's leadership marked a significant shift in Caribbean politics, aligning Cuba with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. His government implemented extensive reforms, including nationalizing industries and redistributing land, while also facing opposition and sanctions from the United States.