The leader of the Cuban Revolution in 1959 was Fidel Castro. Castro, along with his revolutionary forces, overthrew the authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista. The revolution was fueled by widespread discontent over social inequalities, economic problems, and political repression in Cuba. Following Batista's escape, Castro became the Prime Minister and established a socialist state, aligning Cuba with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Castro's leadership was marked by significant social reforms, including education and healthcare improvements, but also by economic challenges and political repression, especially against dissenting voices.