Countdown 1960 page 4

Countdown 1960 page 4 by ric gustafson

Fidel Castro was pacing in his office. Earlier in the day, 104 people had been convicted of trying to overthrow his government. Castro turned the coup attempt into a media triumph. Castro was popular across the Caribbean. Castro acted larger than life wearing fatigues and always having a Cuban cigar.

Castro worked hard for the people. He also gained new enemies. He needed new friends. He turned to the Soviet Union. Castro had an open hostility toward the US. He was mad because the US was trying to squeeze his country out of the sugar market. That would ruin Cuba's economy.

Castro was determined not to let the US ruin his country. He met with Soviet Deputy Premier Anastas Mikoyan. The two countries signed a trade deal. Mikoyan hoped it would help sustain the Soviet economy. Castro was eager to exchange sugar for Russian fuel.

Above all, Castro wanted to hang onto his power.

research help: ' Countdown 1960' by Chris Wallace and Mitch Weiss

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric