Ernesto Rafael Guevara de la Serna

"Che Guevara"

Revolutionary

June 14, 1928 - October 9, 1967

Age: 39

Che's picture has become something of a cultural icon for Hispanics with a revolutionary bent, and a marketing tool for bands like Rage Against The Machine.

The 21 year old Che formulated his revolutionary stance after a motorcycle tour of Central and South America. He studied Marxism as well as medicine, and in 1953 graduated from medical school. He met supporters of Fidel Castro, who was then in exile from Cuba, while fighting for Guatemalan leader Jacobo Arbenz. When the CIA backed overthrow of the Arbenz regime was successful, Che became convinced that the US would never allow leftist governments. Che believed that only worldwide revolution would bring about Socialism.

Che moved to Mexico City, and met many Cubans who were preparing an overthrow of Dictator Fulgencio Batista, including leader Fidel Castro. An invasion by 80 revolutionaries in 1956 led to a disaster. Batista's forces killed all but 12. However the survivors, including Che and Castro, hid in the Cuban countryside, gaining supplies and support. By 1959, Castro overthrew Batista, and Guevara became one of his most trusted aides.

Many of Cuba's early economic policies were shaped by Che, who also represented Cuba on commercial missions. His writings and speeches were also widely circulated during this time. There is also some debate about Che as a revolutionary leader. Some reports have him taking special interest in interrogation, torture and execution, while others state that he only ordered execution for things such as treason and rape. It is certain, however, that Che did not take financial advantage of his high position in the Cuban government. He instead returned to the battlefield.

Heading to the Belgian Congo, Che led Cuba's covert involvement in Africa. He was not able to gain support from the natives, and later returned to Cuba with only a few survivors.

Next, Che headed to Bolivia, where the CIA backed government was able to capture, and kill, him. He was 39.

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