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1492
The navigator Christopher Columbus claims Cuba for Spain
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1511
Spanish conquest begins under the leadership of Diego de Velazquez, who establishes Baracoa and other settlements.
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1526
Importing of slaves from Africa begins.
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Havana captured by a British force led by Admiral George Pocock and Lord Albemarle
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Havana returned to Spain by the Treaty of Paris.
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Ten Years War of independence ends in a truce with Spain promising reforms and greater autonomy - promises that were mostly never met. 1886
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Slavery abolished.
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Jose Marti leads a second war of independence; US declares war on Spain.
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US defeats Spain, which gives up all claims to Cuba and cedes it to the US.
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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.