I think he probably thought he was doing what’s best for Cuba’s citizens, but in my mind his regime was oppressive and eventually became foolish. He was stubborn and proud, and didn’t allow Cubans to be innovative and prosper. He also helped to make Miami-Dade County just short of 70% Hispanic. About half of those Hispanics are Cuban.
He did educate everyone and had socialized health care that was supposedly decent care, but I truly think the Cubans would have been better off with a democracy.
Even with him dead it doesn’t really affect the state of Cuba today. I guess there are small signs things are changing, especially with America opening relations to some extent. I think the biggest thing about America lifting the embargos and allowing travel is most Cubans who fled, fled to America. That’s why it’s so important compared to Canada or Europe. Family members will be in touch and I think this will influence change.