To what extent did the Cuban Revolution and the rule of Fidel Castro bring about political and economic change in Cuba?

Candidates will consider the merits or otherwise of the idea that the Cuban Revolution brought about transformation to Cuban politics and the economy. In doing so, they must consider the political and economic situation of Cuba before and after the Revolution. Some candidates may argue that Castro’s initial efforts were to end dictatorship and remove Cuba’s dependency on the US, while others may assert that a Marxist–Leninist state that eliminated elections, prohibited political opposition and established a state-controlled economy was his intent from the beginning. Candidates may argue that although radical economic changes were implemented, such as the Agrarian Reform and the nationalization of foreign estates and companies, Cuba remained dependent on foreign economies. Some candidates may discuss whether the shift from US to Soviet dependency constituted economic continuity or change for Cuba. While the country changed from a capitalist to a socialist economy, it remained economically dependent on foreign powers.