January 7, 1959: US recognized new Cuban government

On this day in 1959, the Eisenhower administration recognized provisional president Manuel Urrutia of Cuba. Secretary of State Dulles persuaded President Eisenhower and so it happened.   A month later, Fidel Castro was named Prime Minister and we know the rest of the story.

A few years ago, I asked my late father:  Did anyone think that Castro would turn Cuba into a communist state 90 miles from the US? 

He said no but many were concerned with the “cult of personality” around Castro.

By the way, my friend Dr. Carlos Eire wrote this book about his youth in Cuba.

 P.S.  You can listen to my show.  If you like our posts, please look for ”Donate” on the right column of the blog page.