Who was Fulgencio Batista and how did he rule Cuba?

Fulgencio Batista was a Cuban soldier and political leader who served as the de facto ruler of Cuba during two distinct periods.12

His rule can be characterized by two contrasting phases:

• 1933–1944: After leading the "sergeants' revolt" in 1933, Batista became the country's most powerful figure. He initially ruled through associates before being elected president in 1940. While he was corrupt and enriched himself, this period was marked by effective governance, including the expansion of education, public works projects, and economic growth.231
• 1952–1959: Following a bloodless coup in 1952, Batista returned to power as a brutal dictator. He suppressed opposition by controlling the press, Congress, and universities, while employing terrorist methods and embezzling significant funds.12

His second regime faced mounting resistance, culminating in the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro. Batista fled the country on January 1, 1959, as his government collapsed.12