“Castro’s suppression of opposition was the most important factor in his maintenance of power.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that Castro’s suppression of opposition was the most important factor in his maintenance of power. Candidates may consider the merits of various strategies implemented by Castro to suppress opposition in his maintenance of power, including, but not restricted to early violence implemented against Batistianos, for example at La Cabaña; early elimination of internal opposition, for example Huber Matos’ imprisonment; and the creation of the G2, CDRs and UMAP camps for the surveillance and confinement of opposition. Candidates may also challenge the assumption proposed by the question in that opposition was not always suppressed but offered opportunities of exile, mainly in the period 1969–1990, also contributing to Castro’s maintenance of power. Other relevant factors that contributed to Castro’s maintenance of power may be addressed, for example the significance of indoctrination strategies and support rallied through significant social reforms and rhetoric attacking US imperialism , but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

Many candidates chose to engage with the assertion that Castro's suppression of opposition was the most important factor in his maintenance of power. The majority made a strong case for the idea that Cubans were open to any form of government that ended the Batista era and that the anti-US positions taken by Castro should be considered "suppression of opposition" given the US embargo and Bay of Pigs interventions. Many cited Castro's charisma and reforms as more important than oppression, though the better responses provided a balanced assessment acknowledging the importance of both reforms and authoritarian policies.