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1492
Christopher Columbus arrives in Cuba and claims the country from Spain
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1511
Diego Velazquez counquers Cuban natives. Spain colonizes Cuba
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1515
Foundation of Havana
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Period: 1523 to 1526
Sugar is first grown and slaves arrive from Africa
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Havana becomes Cuba's capitol
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About one-third of Havana's population dies of yellow fever
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Havana is captured during seven years war
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Treaty of Paris releases Havana
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The Spanish-American War begins and America defeats Spain becoming owners of Cuba
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America frees Cuba and sets up Estrada Palma as the first president of Cuba
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Fidel Castro leads a guerrilla party to drive Batista out of Cuba and becomes dictator of Cuba with his brother, Raul, becoming minister of the armed forces
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Raul Castro becomes the 21st president of Cuba