Che Guevara, an Argentine-born Marxist revolutionary, physician and military theorist, became one of the most iconic and polarizing figures of the 20th century. His life, marked by a commitment to global revolution, ended on October 9, 1967, when he was captured and executed by the Bolivian army. This event not only ended his campaign in Bolivia but also transformed Guevara
into a martyr for revolutionaries worldwide.
Guevara’s prominence grew during the Cuban Revolution (1956-1959), where he played a crucial role alongside Fidel Castro in overthrowing the Batista regime. His deep belief in armed struggle as a means to challenge imperialism and his efforts to spread Marxist ideology earned him a global following. However, his attempt to replicate the Cuban revolution in Bolivia in 1967 ended in failure. Lacking local support, his guerrilla forces were soon overwhelmed by the Bolivian military, leading to his capture.
Following his execution, Guevara’s body was secretly buried, his hands severed to confirm his identity. For three decades, the location of his remains remained unknown until 1997, when his body and the remains of his comrades were exhumed and returned to Cuba. They were reburied in a monument in Santa Clara, Cuba, where Guevara had once led a decisive battle during the Cuban Revolution.
Che Guevara’s legacy is contested. To his admirers, Guevara is a hero who stood against oppression. To his critics, he represents authoritarianism and violence. Che Guevara’s legacy, thus, endures as both a symbol of revolutionary idealism and a reminder of the complexities inherent in violent uprisings.
