Batista y Zaldivar, Fulgencio, << bah TEES tah ee sahl DEE vahr, fool HEHN syoh >> (1901-1973), served as president of Cuba from 1940 to 1944. He ruled again from 1952 until 1959, when Fidel Castro ousted him in a revolt. Batista fled to the Dominican Republic, which would not permit him to stay. Mexico and the United States refused him asylum because of his ruthless policies in Cuba. He went to Portugal, which admitted him on the condition that he stay out of politics forever. He died in Spain on Aug. 6, 1973.
Batista was born in Banes, Cuba, on Jan. 16, 1901. In 1933, as an army sergeant, Batista led a revolt that overthrew the government. He rose to the rank of colonel and became Cuba’s dominant military leader. Until 1940, he ruled through presidents who served in name only. In 1948, Batista was elected senator. He led a revolt against President Carlos Prio Socarras in 1952.
