Cuban History

The history of Cuba has been shaped by foreign interests since its discovery. The Great Caribbean Island covered by lush vegetation and favorable conditions for settlement, fell victim to greed from the very beginning. The deep outside influence brought a profound dependence, which like other Caribbean nations, continues to hinder its development.

Historical Overview:

• Before 1492: Cuba is inhabited by Tainos and Siboney Indians.
• 1492: Christopher Columbus discovers Cuba and thinks he has reached Asia.
• 1508: Sebastián de Ocampo circunnavigates Cuba and declares it an island.
• 1512-1519: Conquest and colonization. Founding of the first seven villages.
• 1607: Havana officially becomes Cuba’s capital.
• 1700: Tobacco turns into the island’s main economic activity.
• 1762: The English conquer Havana. Opening of foreign trade
• 1830: Cuba replaces Haiti as the biggest sugar producer after the 1791 Revolution.
• 1868: First Independence War, started by the landowner Carlos Manuel de Céspedes.
• 1886: Official abolition of slavery.
• 1895: José Martí restarts the war for independence against Spain.
• 1898: American military intervention and occupation.
• 1902: Founding of the Cuban Republic.
• 1925: Machado´s term in power. Funding of the Communist Party.
• 1940: First Cuban Constitution.
• 1952: Batista´s Coup d´etat.
• 1953: Attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba.
• 1959: Triumph of the Revolution.
• 1961-63: Literacy Campaingn. Missile Crisis. Establishment of the embargo.
• 1967: Che Guevara´s death in Bolivia.
• 1976: New Constitution.
• 1990: Fall of the socialist block. Beginning of the Especial Period.
• 1993: New economic reforms.
• 1996: Helms-Burton bill tightens embargo.
• 1998: The Pope John Paul II visits Cuba.
• 2000: Almost 2 million tourists visit the island.
• 2006: Improvement in the relations between Cuba and Latin America.