The Rise of Fidel Castro

The rise of Castro is best studied following completion of the ActiveHistory study unit "What are the most common methods and conditions that explain the rise of dictatorships?", since that unit allows students to build up an overall theory about the nature of dictatorships that can then be tested against this particular object study.

Escape the Room! - Mission Havana, 1959
"You are American business people from the United Fruit Company, placed under house arrest by the new Castro regime due to your close ties to Batista. You have managed to ply the guard with rum and he has passed out. But you have only one hour to find a way to escape before he wakes up and takes his revenge".

What are the methods and conditions by which Castro rose to power in Cuba?
In this self-contained worksheet, students are provided with detailed information relating to the rise of Castro and a range of tasks to help them answer the key question.

Online video documentary (24 minutes)
This should be used for extra detail. Minute-by-minute teacher notes are also available.

Factual test
20 questions to test knowledge of what has been learned.

JFK: Speech on Castro and Cuba, 1960
The centerpiece of JFKs attack on the Eisenhower administration was its failure to anticipate and then deal with the rise of Castro. The following speech is therefore very useful evidence for developing your analysis of the conditions which brought Castro to power. Moreover, it is a classic example of why it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation of origin and purpose.

Model Essay: "Castro's mastery of guerrilla warfare was the main reason why he was able to take control of Cuba". To what extent do you agree with this statement? (note: teacher password required).

Educational Escape Room: Cuba 1959 - Escape to Freedom!
[lesson materials | supporting blogpost]

An escape room is, according to Wikipedia, “a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles using clues, hints and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms”. They are increasingly popular as team-building exercises as well as a fun leisure activity - but have immense potential for creating some memorable learning experiences in the classroom.
I have constructed a full-blown escape room activity and supporting resources developing student knowledge and understanding of the Rise of Castro. I have written in depth about the logistics of setting up an educational escape room here.