Why did the Cuban government nationalize U.S.-owned property and private businesses after the revolution?

Following the 1959 Cuban Revolution, the government led by Fidel Castro moved to dismantle the existing political and social order, which had been characterized by significant U.S. economic dominance and support for the authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista.1

The nationalization of U.S.-owned property and private businesses was a central component of this transformation. By seizing these assets—totaling approximately $1.8 billion—the revolutionary government aimed to replace the traditional free-enterprise system with a centrally planned economy and establish a socialist state. This shift was intended to consolidate state control over key economic sectors, including industry, banking, and retail, thereby reducing foreign influence and restructuring the nation's economic foundation according to revolutionary goals.1234

These actions fundamentally altered the relationship between the two countries, turning a history of U.S. intervention and influence into one of hostile confrontation, which eventually led to the imposition of a comprehensive trade embargo by the United States.12