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Granma Expedition
After plotting a revolution from Mexico Castro and 82 Cuban rebels boarded a yacht called The Granma in November of 1956. Important members included Fidel and Raul Castro, 'Che' Guevara, and Camilo Cienfuegos. Slowed by engine trouble and excess weight, the boat arrived in Cuba two days late.The rebels were gunned down. Some escaped to the Sierra Maestra.
Significance - Castro's arrival in Cuba was the start of the revolution. The Sierra Maestra gave them grounds for guerrilla warfare. -
Guerrilla Forces Gather Peasant Support
The 19 survivors of the Granma Expedition set up an encampment in the Sierra Maestra where they engaged in guerrilla warfare. They did small raids to get weaponry and gave medical care to soldiers. They executed the mayoral (wealthy land owners). These executions gained the trust of the peasants, some of who joined the rebellion.
Significance - The peasantry supported Castro and therefore offered greater opposition to Batista's policies and reforms. Additionally the rebels grew in size. -
Guerrillas Focus on Base at La Plata
After fleeing into the Sierra Maestra, Castro began to plot attacks using guerrilla tactics. La Plata was located within the area and provided a good opportunity for victory. This led to the Attack on the La Plata Garrison during which the rebels took the area.
Significance - Time in the Sierra Maestra allowed the guerrillas to grow stronger in an environment that became suited to them. Focus on La Plata led to a first victory and gave the rebels a base and ammunition. -
Batista's Forces Withdraw from Sierra Maestra
Batista launched major offensive against the rebel attacks in the Sierra Maestra, but the rebels continually won these battles. Agrarian reform councils and dissident newspapers were published, but Batista continually lost support. The US began to withdraw support of Batista. Eventually, Batista withdrew from the Sierra Maestra area.
Significance - Batista's withdraw from the Sierra Maestra demonstrated that the regime was failing to beat the rebels. Support for the regime decreased -
Attack on La Plata Garrison
A man named Chicho Osorio accidentally led the rebels through the camp. The rebels attacked by night and killed their informer. The rebels were victorious and seized cartridge belts, fuel, knives, clothing and food. The area was burned but the wounded were cared for and civilians were set free. It was the first victory of the rebel army.
Significance- Support was gained as the rebels cared for civilians in a way Batista didn't. Moral rose with the victory and supplies were collected. -
Battle at El Uvero
Publicized by the rebels as their first great victory, the Battle at El Uvero was the first daylight attack of the war. 127 rebels attacked, in hopes of a large propaganda victory. In just under 3 hours they were victorious. The battle raised moral and provided supplies for the rebels and many joined the cause.
Significance - The battle increased support for the revolutionaries as propaganda showed it as a great victory. The win also boosted enthusiasm in the cause. -
Operation Verano
Operation Verano was Batista's summer offensive (La Ofensiva to the rebels). The objective was to destroy Castro's army in the Sierra Maestra. There was much resistance to the plan as seen in the Battle of La Plata and Las Mercedes. The original attack was on June 28th at the Estrada Palma Sugar Mill. The guerrillas were victorious and the plan failed.
Significance - Batista's largest plan of attack failed greatly despite aid from the US and the entire Cuban Army. -
Battle of Santa Clara
On December 28th, some met the defending army, while the others met an armoured train. A 'suicide squad' was sent to take the hill. The train was easily taken from soldiers who wanted a truce. The rebels got needed supplies. The people were willing to surrender, resulting in a victory for Guevara.
Significance - The willingness of the people to surrender showed the lack of support for Batista. As one of the final battles of the war the win again helped Castro win moral and weaponry. -
Battle of Yaguajay
Cienfuegos led an attack on Batista's troops at Yaguajay who began retaliation on approximately December 19th. A garrison of men led by Alfredo Abon Lee. Expecting help from Santa Clara, Lee mainly manned defense. The rebels repeatedly failed even when using a make shift tank. However, by December 30th Lee ran out of ammunition and surrendered.
Significance - Although the victory was not so easily achieved the guerrillas still won by holding out against real weaponry with makeshift substitutes. -
Batista Flees
The Cuban army began to collapse following Santa Clara. Eventually Batista and many of his supporters fled to the Dominican Republic. With him he took $300,000,000 through graft and payouts. The people in Cuba celebrated the end of his regime.
Significance - The Batista regime was officially over in Cuba and the people were happy about this. -
Che Guevara's Forces Take Havana
Guevara and his troops marched on foot for 7 weeks to Havana. They were only able to travel at night and often went without food. Despite at times being completely surrounded Guevara continued. On January 2nd, they reached Havana and took final control of the capital for Fidel before he arrived 6 days later.
Significance - The Cuban capital was officially claimed by Fidel Castro's troops. -
Castro Triumphantly arrives in Havana
Castro participated in rallies on his way to Havana. 6 days after Guevara arrived in Havana, Fidel Castro reached the city. He began to take his political position which included the title of prime minister. Revolutionary tribunals began to judge and execute those of the old regime.
Significance - Castro's arrival in Havana signified the start of his rise to authoritarian type power. The people were pleased the idea of a new era of politics and supported him.
