Discovery of Cuba by Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Cuba during his first voyage to the New World, marking the beginning of European interest in the region.
1492
1511
Spanish Colonization of Cuba
Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar began the Spanish conquest of Cuba, establishing the first Spanish settlement at Baracoa and later founding Havana.
1868
Ten Years' War
The Ten Years' War, also known as the Great War, began as Cuban revolutionaries sought independence from Spanish rule. This conflict lasted until 1878.
1895
Cuban War of Independence
The Cuban War of Independence was launched by Cuban nationalists against Spanish colonial rule, leading to significant battles and eventual U.S. intervention.
1898
Spanish-American War
The United States declared war on Spain, leading to the Spanish-American War. This conflict resulted in Spain relinquishing control of Cuba.
1902
Cuban Independence
Cuba officially gained independence from the United States and became a sovereign nation, with Tomás Estrada Palma serving as its first president.
1953
Attack on Moncada Barracks
Fidel Castro and his supporters launched an attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba, marking the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.
1959
Cuban Revolution
Fidel Castro's revolutionary forces successfully overthrew the government of Fulgencio Batista, leading to significant political and social changes in Cuba.
1961
Bay of Pigs Invasion
A failed invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles, sponsored by the U.S. government, aimed to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime.
1962
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet ballistic missiles deployed in Cuba.
1991
Special Period in Cuba
Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba entered a severe economic crisis known as the Special Period, marked by shortages of goods and energy.
2006
Fidel Castro Transfers Power
Due to health issues, Fidel Castro transferred power to his brother, Raúl Castro, marking the beginning of a new era in Cuban leadership.
2014
Cuban Thaw
The United States and Cuba announced the beginning of normalization of relations, leading to the reopening of embassies in both countries in 2015.
2018
Miguel Díaz-Canel Becomes President
Miguel Díaz-Canel was elected President of Cuba, succeeding Raúl Castro and becoming the first non-Castro leader of Cuba since the revolution.
2021
Protests in Cuba
Widespread protests erupted across Cuba, driven by economic hardships, food shortages, and demands for greater freedoms and government reforms.
