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