The Abduction of Juan Manuel Fangio and Its Impact on the Cuban Revolution

Author

Shalom Nissi Ramirez, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Philip Samponaro

Second Advisor

Irving Levinson

Third Advisor

George T. Díaz

Abstract

On February 23, 1958, Juan Manuel Fangio, the five-time Formula One Champion, was kidnapped by the 26th of July Movement (M-26) in Havana, Cuba, during the Cuban Revolution. The kidnapping took place on the eve of the Havana Grand Prix as an act of sabotage against Fulgencio Batista's government. Fangio's abduction became a symbol of political resistance, challenging Batista's authority and raising the profile of M-26 as a revolutionary group. This thesis examines how the incident, amplified by worldwide media coverage, influenced international perceptions of the Cuban Revolution. It argues that using Fangio’s fame strategically helped accelerate awareness of the revolution, thereby questioning Batista’s portrayal of stability. The analysis shows how news coverage of Fangio’s kidnapping increased attention to the Cuban Revolution.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Shalom N. Ramirez. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3275041171

Recommended Citation

Ramirez, S. N. (2025). The Abduction of Juan Manuel Fangio and Its Impact on the Cuban Revolution [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1790