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The Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1959 triggered a fundamental shift in the island's political and social fabric. Initially, it inspired hope among many people yearning for change, including those disillusioned with the corruption and ineptitude of the preceding regime led by Fulgencio Batista. However, Castro's subsequent actions, including the nationalization of properties and harsh reprisals against former allies who opposed his increasingly socialist agenda, soured much of that enthusiasm. Perspectives on the revolution are as varied as its impacts on different social classes within Cuba.