Fidel Castro Became Premier of Cuba in 1959

Today in Latin American history, Fidel Castro became Premier of Cuba after dictator Fulgencio Batista was overthrown on January 1 in 1959.

Castro was sworn in as prime minister of Cuba after leading a guerrilla campaign that forced right-wing dictator Fulgencio Batista into exile.

Castro, who became commander in chief of Cuba’s armed forces after Batista was ousted on January 1, replaced the more moderate Miro Cardona as head of the country’s new provisional government.

Castro officially stepped down in February 2008.

Other events that occurred on this day:

Today in LatAm history, Brazilian footballer Bebeto who played for the National team & Deportivo La Coruña was born in 1964

Today in LatAm history, Cuban drummer Dave Lombardo who is a member of the band Slayer was born in 1965

Today in LatAm history, Nicaraguan Contra leader Enrique Bermúdez was assassinated in Managua in 1991

Today in LatAm history, former President of Brazil Jânio Quadros who was in office in 1961 died in 1992