Fidel Castro was a Cuban revolutionary and politician who served as the Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976 and then as President from 1976 to 2008. He was a key figure in the Cuban Revolution, which overthrew the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista. Castro's government implemented socialist reforms and established a one-party state. Castro's leadership was marked by significant achievements in education and healthcare, but also by political repression and economic challenges. His policies led to strained relations with the United States, particularly during events like the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Castro's legacy remains controversial, with supporters praising his social programs and critics condemning his authoritarian rule.