Revolution. Though he was a staunch anti-communist, he came to symbolize revolutionary ideals rather than democratic politics. Batista expressed fear of the lasting symbol of Chibás, writing that "the reformer and demagogue now appeared to the people as a martyr and this gave a prestige to his party." Castro leveraged that martyrdom in his 26 July Movement, often using his revolutionary rhetoric as a means of inspiring the Ortodoxos left behind with Chibás' death. Over time, the importance of Chibás as a symbol began to wane. Some scholars have connected the downfall with Castro's embrace of communism, citing the likelihood that it would have clashed with Chibás' politics. Furthermore, some point out that the revolution found a more appropriate martyr in Che Guevara. See also Radiocentro CMQ Building López Serrano Building Colegio de Belén, Havana References 1907 births 1951 suicides People from Santiago de Cuba Partido Ortodoxo politicians Cuban politicians who committed suicide Suicides by firearm in Cuba 1951 deaths