Compare and Contrast Essay on the Similarities and Differences Between Fidel Castro and Richard Milhous Nixon

Paper Type:  Essay
Pages:  3
Wordcount:  810 Words
Date:  2022-11-19

Introduction

Throughout the fourteenth and fifteenth century, there have been many figures who have shaped the field of humanities. Consequently, their works have influenced social, economic, and political events in modern society. Today, their contributions are being highlighted by contemporary writers who want to inform on the challenges and achievements of key figures. Both Fidel Castro and Richard Milhous Nixon made such contributions to political philosophy.

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Transition

Even though they came from different countries and lived in different times, they both fought for political liberations in their respective countries.

Thesis

Both Fidel Castro and Richard Milhous Nixon used their revolutionary ideas to influence politics in their respective countries. However, there are differences in the tactics they used that make them distinct.

Main Point One: How Their Birthplace, the Date Is Similar and Different

Background

1. Fidel Castro was born in Biran, Cuba, 13th August 1926. He was born out of wedlock. His father was wealthy. He owned vast sizes of land. He had a mistress, Lina Ruz Gonzalez who later became Castro's mother.

2. Richard Milhous Nixon was born on 9th January 1913. California, United States of America. His mother and father were Hannah Nixon and Francis Nixon respectively.

Differences

The main difference between Fidel Castro and Richard Milhous Nixon based on their background is that Castro had a comfortable childhood because his father could cater to his needs while Nixon came from a poor background. While Fidel Castro received his first education from a private tutor, attended two boarding schools, and proceeded to study law at the University of Havana. Apart from his studies, he also focused on politics. On the other hand, Richard Milhous Nixon faced a childhood of difficulties and hardships. His family had a ranch, and it failed. Consequently, they moved to a grocery store in Whittier, California. Although he received a scholarship from Harvard, he declined the offer because of pressed finances in his family. Instead, he attended Whittier College. Here, he was recognized as among the best debaters.

Similarities

Both Fidel Castro and Richard Milhous used their experiences and interest in college to set their careers in the political scenes in their respective countries.

Both of them attended college although Nixon had to choose a less expensive college because of lack of enough finances.

Main Point Two: Contributions of Fidel Castro and Richard Milhous Nixon

A. He started practicing law almost immediately. He became a member of the Reformist Cuban People's Party which was against the dictatorship form of a ruling by Gen. Fulgencio Batista. He became a revolutionary leader and was undisputed. He used the military, guerrilla warfare, and propaganda efforts to drive Batista out of power. For example, he had eight hundred guerrillas while Batista had thirty thousand militants. He overpowered Batista's militants. Consequently, Batista fled out of the country in 1959. Although he became the commander in chief of armed forces in February 1959, he became the president in July 1959 after the predecessor was forced to resign.

B. A group of Republicans approached Richard Milhous Nixon. They asked him to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives. He agreed and won the Southern California district seat. In 1948, he led an investigation into the un-American committee. He investigated the role of the committee on Alder Hiss Spy Case. He managed to get access to documentaries and films which were claimed to be accessible by only Alder Hiss. Consequently, he was considered to be a national hero. In 1950, he became a senator. He championed for anti-communist ideologies. He was elected as a running mate in 1952 and later vied as president in 1968. He became the president and was re-elected 1972.

Main Point Three: Differences and Similarities Based on Their Contributions

Similarities

1. Both Fidel Castro and Richard Milhous Nixon had revolutionary ideas. Fidel Castro influenced his country through ending the dictatorial government of Batista. Richard helped his countries in fighting a spy by getting exclusive access to the latter's films and documentaries.

Differences

1. Fidel Castro willingly joined the political field while Richard Milhous Nixon was approached and had to be convinced.

2. Fidel Castro used radical means to create change while Richard Milhous Nixon used diplomatic means to create change.

Conclusion

A. Fidel Castro and Richard Milhous Nixon significantly contributed to the field of humanities through shaping the political events in their respective countries.

B. Although Fidel Castro and Richard Milhous Nixon had differences based on their background and political means, their love for the political development of their countries makes them relevant to contemporary society.

References

Bew, J. (2014). A beast that fights best on its back. New Statesman, 143(5227), 28-33. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=98134243&site=ehost-live

Kronenberg, C. (2009). Contesting the mechanisms of disinformation, Part II. Castro, Cuba, and the Empire: "you are not a liberator." Critical Arts: A South-North Journal of Cultural & Media Studies, 23(3), 253-282. https://doi.org/10.1080/02560040903251019

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Compare and Contrast Essay on the Similarities and Differences Between Fidel Castro and Richard Milhous Nixon. (2022, Nov 19). Retrieved from https://proessays.net/essays/compare-and-contrast-essay-on-the-similarities-and-differences-between-fidel-castro-and-richard-milhous-nixon

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