Che Guevara, the famed Argentinean revolutionary, has become an iconic symbol of hard left politics across the world. His image is seen on posters and t-shirts, immortalizing him in history. But who was Che Guevara and what did he do to deserve such notoriety?
Che Guevara was born into a middle-class Argentine family in 1928. He studied medicine at university and practiced in several countries across Latin America before joining Fidel Castro’s Cuban Revolution in 1956. Guevara played a major role in this revolution as he led forces during battles against dictator Fulgencio Batista’s army. He eventually became one of the most influential figures of the Cuban Revolution, eventually becoming second-in-command to Castro himself.
Guevara was also well known for his motorcycle trips across South America with his friend Alberto Granado. During these trips, they encountered many people from different backgrounds and political views that ultimately shaped their view on Latin American society and politics. These trips were later documented in the book “The Motorcycle Diaries” which was made into a film in 2004 starring Gael Garcia Bernal as Che Guevara.
In 1967, after leaving Cuba for political reasons, Guevara attempted to foment revolution across Africa before being captured and killed by Bolivian soldiers while trying to start a guerrilla war there. His death further cemented his influence among revolutionaries around the world who saw him as an example of uncompromising commitment to socialism and anti-imperialism.
Now, you can learn even more about Che Guevara’s life by watching a documentary dedicated to exploring his life and legacy. This documentary discusses his rise to fame during the Cuban Revolution as well as his travels throughout South America that would shape his worldview later on in life. It also looks at how he has become an iconic figure for hard left politics over the years, providing insight into one of history’s
