The main reason for the start of the Cuban Revolution was widespread discontent with the regime of dictator Fulgencio Batista, characterized by corruption, social inequality, and repression. As discontent grew, revolutionary leaders like Fidel Castro and Che Guevara garnered support through promises of land reform and improved living conditions for the poor. The revolution gained momentum in the 1950s, ultimately leading to Batista's downfall in 1959. The successful revolution transformed Cuba into a one-party socialist state and significantly altered U.S.-Cuba relations, impacting Cold War dynamics in the region.