Today In History February 19th

On February 19th, 2008, Fidel Castro, the longtime leader of Cuba, resigned as president of the country after nearly five decades in power. Castro, who had been in poor health for several years, officially announced his resignation in a letter published in the state-run newspaper Granma.

Castro's resignation marked the end of an era in Cuba, as he had been the country's revolutionary leader since overthrowing the dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. His resignation paved the way for his younger brother, Raul Castro, to assume the presidency and continue the communist regime established by Fidel.

Fidel Castro's resignation was met with mixed reactions both in Cuba and around the world. Some saw it as an opportunity for change and reform in the country, while others feared that Raul Castro would simply continue his brother's repressive policies. Regardless, Fidel Castro's resignation marked a significant moment in Cuban history and signaled a new chapter for the island nation.

Source:
Britannica.com