History

Castro lands in eastern Cuba from Mexico and takes to the Sierra Maestra mountains where, aided by Ernesto "Che" Guevara, he wages a guerrilla war.

Fidel Castro leads an unsuccessful revolt against the Batista regime.

Batista seizes power again and presides over an oppressive and corrupt regime.

Batista retires and is succeeded by the civilian Ramon Grau San Martin.

The US abandons its right to intervene in Cuba's internal affairs, revises Cuba's sugar quota and changes tariffs to favour Cuba.

Machado overthrown in a coup led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista.

Socialist Party founded, forming the basis of the Communist Party.

Gerardo Machado institutes vigorous measures, forwarding mining, agriculture and public works, but subsequently establishing a brutal dictatorship.

US forces return to Cuba to help put down black protests against discrimination.

Jose Miguel Gomez becomes president following elections supervised by the US, but is soon tarred by corruption.

Estrada resigns and the US occupies Cuba following a rebellion led by Jose Miguel Gomez.

Cuba becomes independent with Tomas Estrada Palma as its president; however, the Platt Amendment keeps the island under US protection and gives the US the right to intervene in Cuban affairs.

US defeats Spain, which gives up all claims to Cuba and cedes it to the US.

Jose Marti leads a second war of independence; US declares war on Spain.

Slavery abolished.

Ten Years War of independence ends in a truce with Spain promising reforms and greater autonomy - promises that were mostly never met.

Havana returned to Spain by the Treaty of Paris.

Havana captured by a British force led by Admiral George Pocock and Lord Albemarle.

Importing of slaves from Africa begins.

Spanish conquest begins under the leadership of Diego de Velazquez, who establishes Baracoa and other settlements.

The navigator Christopher Columbus claims Cuba for Spain.