How Che Guevara Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Che Guevara—a timeline of influence.

Ernesto "Che" Guevara was a prominent Argentine Marxist revolutionary, physician, and guerrilla leader. He played a key role in the Cuban Revolution and became a significant figure in the Cuban government. Beyond his involvement in Cuba, Guevara sought to spread revolution to other countries, particularly in Africa and South America. His efforts often involved guerrilla warfare and promoting socialist ideologies. Despite his controversial legacy, Guevara remains a globally recognized symbol of rebellion and revolutionary ideals, often seen as a countercultural icon.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

November 1967: Che Guevara's corpse on display in Vallegrande

After his execution, Guevara's body was flown to Vallegrande. On display, Guevara's corpse was considered by many to represent a "Christ-like" visage, with some even surreptitiously clipping locks of his hair as divine relics. Björn Kumm of the Swedish Aftonbladet described the scene in an 11 November 1967, exclusive for The New Republic.

1967: Abandonment of Guerrilla Warfare as Instrument of Cuban Foreign Policy

Che Guevara's death in 1967 led to the abandonment of guerrilla warfare as an instrument of Cuban foreign policy, ushering in a rapprochement with the Soviet Union and the reformation of the government along Soviet lines.

1968: Creation of Graphic Image of Che's Face

In 1968, a high-contrast monochrome graphic of Che Guevara's face, created by Irish artist Jim Fitzpatrick, became a universally merchandized and objectified image.

1968: Che Guevara's Image During Riots and Protests

In 1968, during riots in Berlin, France, Chicago, and on American college campuses, young protestors wore Che Guevara T-shirts and carried his pictures during their marches, symbolizing his continued influence.

Che Guevara guerrilla cuba revolution. T-Shirt

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1969: Guevara's Irish lineage

In 1969, Guevara's father was quoted on his son's Irish lineage: "The first thing to note is that in my son's veins flowed the blood of the Irish rebels..." .

1986: Start of Economic Reforms Based on Guevarism

In 1986, Cuba began a series of economic reforms, officially titled the "Rectification of Errors and Negative Tendencies", which were based on the economic ethos of Guevarism, aimed at eliminating private businesses and trade markets.

1992: End of Economic Reforms Based on Guevarism

In 1992, Cuba ended the series of economic reforms, officially titled the "Rectification of Errors and Negative Tendencies", which were based on the economic ethos of Guevarism, aimed at eliminating private businesses and trade markets.

1995: Publication of "The Motorcycle Diaries"

In 1995, Guevara's account of his motorcycle journey, titled "The Motorcycle Diaries", was published.

The Motorcycle Diaries: Notes on a Latin American Journey (The Che Guevara Library)

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1995: Vargas Reveals Location of Guevara's Corpse

In late 1995, retired Bolivian General Mario Vargas revealed that Che Guevara's corpse lay near a Vallegrande airstrip, leading to a multi-national search for the remains.

July 1997: Discovery of Guevara's Remains

In July 1997, a team of Cuban geologists and Argentine forensic anthropologists discovered the remnants of seven bodies in two mass graves, including one man without hands (as Guevara would have been).

October 1997: Guevara's Remains Laid to Rest

On October 17, 1997, 30 years and 8 days after Guevara's death, Guevara's remains, with those of six of his fellow combatants, were laid to rest with military honors in a mausoleum in Santa Clara.

2000: Implementation of Reforms in Homage to Che Guevara

In 2000, the economic reforms and mass mobilizations implemented during the Battle of Ideas were often conducted in homage to the philosophy of Che Guevara, stressing economic voluntarism and central planning.

2004: Release of "The Motorcycle Diaries" Film

In 2004, "The Motorcycle Diaries" was adapted into a film of the same name.

2006: End of Battle of Ideas Reforms in Homage to Che Guevara

In 2006, the economic reforms and mass mobilizations implemented during the Battle of Ideas ended, having often been conducted in homage to the philosophy of Che Guevara, stressing economic voluntarism and central planning.

2007: Release of My Enemy's Enemy

In 2007, the documentary My Enemy's Enemy alleged that Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie advised and possibly helped the CIA orchestrate Guevara's eventual capture.

July 2008: Unveiling of Guevara's Diaries

In July 2008, the Bolivian government of Evo Morales unveiled Che Guevara's formerly-sealed diaries composed in two frayed notebooks, along with a logbook and several black-and-white photographs.

2008: Unveiling of Bronze Statue of Che Guevara

In 2008 a 3.5-metre (12 ft) bronze statue of Che Guevara was unveiled in the city of his birth, Rosario.

2008: Chevolution Documentary Director on Guevara's Significance

In 2008, Trisha Ziff, director of the documentary Chevolution, remarked that Che Guevara's significance is more about ideals of creating a better society than the man and his specific history.