The political leader of the Cuban Revolution was Fidel Castro. Leading the revolution against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, Castro and his revolutionary forces successfully overthrew the government in 1959. His leadership marked a significant turn towards communism in Cuba, aligning the nation with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Castro implemented various social reforms, including education and healthcare, but his regime faced criticism for authoritarian practices and human rights violations. Despite international opposition, Castro remained a prominent figure in Cuba and a symbol of resistance against imperialism until his retirement in 2008.