Ernesto "Che" Guevara
- Born:
- June 14, 1928, Rosario, Argentina
- Died:
- October 9, 1967, La Higuera, Bolivia
- Nationality:
- Argentine, Cuban
- Profession(s):
- Physician, Marxist Revolutionary, Guerrilla Leader, Author, Military Theorist
Early Life and Education
- Born into a middle-class family in Argentina.
- Studied medicine at the University of Buenos Aires, graduating in 1953.
- Traveled extensively through Latin America, witnessing poverty and social injustice, which profoundly influenced his political views.
Career and Major Achievements
- Joined Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement in Mexico.
- Played a key role in the Cuban Revolution, leading guerrilla forces and contributing to the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista in 1959.
- Served in the Cuban government in various positions, including Minister of Industries and President of the National Bank.
- Promoted revolutionary movements in other countries, particularly in Africa and Latin America.
- Attempted to incite a revolution in the Congo in 1965.
- Led a guerrilla movement in Bolivia, where he was captured and executed in 1967.
Notable Works
- Guerrilla Warfare (1961) - A manual on guerrilla warfare tactics.
- The Motorcycle Diaries (1995, posthumously published) - A travelogue documenting his journey through South America in his youth.
- Numerous essays and speeches on revolutionary theory and practice.
Legacy and Impact
Ernesto "Che" Guevara remains a controversial figure, viewed by some as a revolutionary icon and symbol of anti-imperialism, and by others as a brutal dictator. His image and writings continue to inspire revolutionary movements and leftist political thought around the world. This page serves as a starting point for understanding more about what makes up a typical 'che guevaras biography'.