Cuba

US lift ban.

2015 BCE

In April, President Obama and Cuban president Raul Castro meet at the Summit of the Americas in Panama. It is the first time the countries' leaders hold a face-to-face meeting in more than 50 years. According to news reports, Obama and Castro vow to open embassies in both countries. "Our governments will continue to have differences," Obama says. "At the same time, we agreed that we can continue to take steps forward that advance our mutual interests."

US aids cuba

2001 BCE

For the first time in 40 years, the U.S. sends food to Cuba. Cuba had requested the aid after the country was hit by Hurricane Michelle.

Cuba crisis

1990 BCE

Russian aid, which had long supported Cuba's failing economy, ends when Communism collapsed in eastern Europe. Cuba's foreign trade also plummets, producing a severe economic crisis.

Nuclear war

1962 BCE

The Organization of American States expels Cuba.
The Cuban Missile Crisis brings the U.S. and Cuba to the brink of nuclear war. The Soviets attempt to install medium-range missiles in Cuba—capable of striking targets in the United States with nuclear warheads. Denouncing the Soviets for "deliberate deception, Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev ordered the missile sites dismantled and returned to the USSR in return for a U.S. pledge not to attack Cuba.

The guerrilla

1959 BCE

Some 9,000 guerilla fighters led by Castro drive Batista out of Cuba. Castro becomes prime minister, his brother Raul Castro is named minister of the armed forces, and Guevara is third in command. within a few months, Castro established military tribunals for political opponents and jailed hundreds.

Revolution

1952 BCE

Fidel Castro leads a liberal uprising against the right-wing dictatorship of Batista.

First president

1902 BCE

The U.S. ends its military occupation of Cuba. Cuba becomes an independent republic with Estrada Palma as its first president.