New York City, New York - The death of Ernesto "Che" Guevara on October 9, 1967, in the remote Bolivian jungle marked the end of one of the 20th century's most iconic revolutionaries. Yet, far from quelling the revolutionary fervor he embodied, Guevara's death only solidified his status as a global martyr. President Lyndon B. Johnson, then grappling with the complexities of the Cold War and rising leftist insurgencies in Latin America, reportedly expressed frustration upon hearing of Guevara's execution. His reaction highlights the unintended consequences of eliminating a revolutionary leader whose image would go on to transcend time and borders.
After leaving Cuba in 1965, Che Guevara attempted to ignite socialist revolutions in Congo and later Bolivia. His Bolivian campaign, however, faced logistical failures, lack of local support, and eventual betrayal by informants. Captured on October 8, 1967, by Bolivian forces, Guevara was executed a day later on orders from the Bolivian government, allegedly with tacit approval from the CIA.
The execution of Guevara was intended to snuff out his revolutionary influence. Instead, it sparked global outrage and transformed him into an enduring symbol of rebellion. His final words, reportedly, were, "Shoot, coward, you are only going to kill a man." These words, coupled with his iconic final photographs, cemented his image as a martyr.
When news of Guevara's death reached President Johnson, he was reportedly dismayed rather than celebratory. Sources suggest Johnson lamented that Guevara's execution had turned him into a martyr, fearing that his death would inspire more revolutionaries across the globe. Johnson allegedly remarked something to the effect of: "Great, now he'll become more famous and a martyr."
This reaction underscores a critical aspect of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War—a recognition that killing symbolic leaders often strengthens their ideological legacy rather than extinguishing it. Johnson, already burdened by the Vietnam War and unrest at home, likely foresaw how Guevara's death would be romanticized and weaponized by leftist movements.
Che Guevara's death elevated him to mythic status. The famous photograph of his lifeless body, styled similarly to Renaissance depictions of Christ, became a rallying image for revolutionaries worldwide. His writings, including The Motorcycle Diaries and Guerrilla Warfare, gained even more traction after his death.
Ironically, by eliminating Guevara, his enemies inadvertently immortalized him. His image became a universal symbol of resistance, seen on posters, t-shirts, and protest banners from Latin America to Europe and beyond.
President Johnson's fear of Guevara becoming a martyr was not misplaced. In the years following his death, Guevara became an icon of revolutionary struggle. From student protests in Paris in 1968 to guerrilla movements in Latin America, his image and ideas inspired countless activists.
Moreover, Che Guevara transcended politics to become a global cultural icon—his face, immortalized in the famous Alberto Korda photograph, became one of the most reproduced images in history. Johnson's offhand remark about martyrdom proved to be a prescient observation.
While Guevara's military campaigns failed in both Congo and Bolivia, his ideological influence outlived him. For many, he remains a hero who fought against imperialism and injustice; for others, he was a ruthless militant responsible for executions and violence. What is undeniable, however, is his enduring symbolic power.
President Johnson's reaction also offers insight into the often-overlooked reality of geopolitical power struggles: the symbolic weight of a fallen leader can sometimes outweigh their living influence.
