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Formation of the 26th of July Movement
was formed by Fidel Castro and his followers in 1955, named after the date of the failed Moncada Barracks attack, with the goal of overthrowing Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista and establishing a socialist government. -
"History Will Absolve Me" Speech
speech defending his actions after the failed Moncada Barracks attack, in which he argued that his revolutionary movement would ultimately be vindicated by history. -
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Castro's imprisonment
Fidel Castro was imprisoned for nearly two years following the failed Moncada Barracks attack, from 1953 to 1955, before being released in a political amnesty. -
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Guerrilla War
The Guerrilla War in Cuba, which began in 1956, was a protracted armed struggle led by Fidel Castro and his fighters against the Batista government, relying on small, mobile units to carry out ambushes and sabotage, eventually leading to Batista's overthrow in 1959. -
Moncada Barracks Attack
a failed assault by Fidel Castro and his followers, marking the start of the Cuban Revolution. -
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onsolidation of Power
This period involves removing rivals, appointing communist officials, postponing elections, and implementing popular land reforms. -
Granma Landing
when Fidel Castro and 81 revolutionaries, including Che Guevara, arrived in Cuba aboard the yacht Granma to launch an armed struggle against the Batista regime, marking the beginning of the Cuban Revolution. -
Batista Flees
Fulgencio Batista fled Cuba on January 1, 1959, as Fidel Castro's revolutionary forces advanced into Havana, marking the collapse of his government and the success of the Cuban Revolution. -
Castro Becomes Prime Minister
shortly after the success of the Cuban Revolution, solidifying his leadership of the newly established revolutionary government. -
Alignment with the Soviet Union
As tensions with the U.S. escalate, Cuba aligns with the Soviet bloc, securing crucial economic and military support. -
Nationalization of U.S. Businesses
As tensions with the United States escalated due to Cuba's leftward shift and the agrarian reforms, Cuba nationalized American-owned oil refineries and other businesses, a move that was popular domestically but further strained relations with the U.S. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
when a CIA-backed force of Cuban exiles attempted to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba, but the invasion failed disastrously, strengthening Castro's position and worsening U.S.-Cuba relations. -
Declaration of Socialist Cuba
Castro declares Cuba a socialist state, further solidifying the ideological framework of his rule. -
Cuban Missile Crisis
This event, while dangerous, ultimately leads to a U.S. promise not to invade Cuba, bolstering Castro's position.