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Birthday
Day of born -
involved in political movements
While a student at the University of Havana law school, Castro involved himself in political activities. In 1947 he participated in an attempt to overthrow General Rafael Trujillo of the Dominican Republic. -
Became a canidate
After graduating from law school, Castro joined the Cuban People's Party, becoming a candidate for a seat in Cuba's House of Representatives. The elections were canceled, however, when President Carlos Prío Socarrás was removed from office by General Fulgencio Batista. -
organized a force
In 1953 Castro organized a force to oust Batista. The group of rebels attacked a military facility, trying to stir the public to rise against Batista. Many people were killed. Castro was arrested and sentenced to prison. Upon his release, he organized a group of Cuban exiles into an armed revolutionary army. -
waged a war
n 1956 Castro and his followers began waging a guerrilla war against the Batista government. Three years later, Castro's 800 guerrillas defeated Batista's 30,000 soldiers, and Batista fled to the Dominican Republic. He never returned to Cuba. -
head of gov.
In 1959 Castro took over as head of the Cuban government. -
Named prime minister
Feb 13, 1959 - Castro named prime minister. -
us backed an attempt
In 1961 the United States backed an attempt by Cuban exiles to overthrow Castro's government. That attempt failed. At about the same time, Cuba's alliance with the Soviet Union grew stronger. The combination of developments cemented Castro's dictatorial hold on power, which he wielded well into the 21st century. -
declares is revolution
April 16, 1961 - Castro declares his revolution socialist. -
castro is named first secretary
Castro founds new Cuban Communist Party and is named First Secretary. -
sends troops
Castro sends troops to Angola to help left-wing government fight South-African backed rebels. -
becomes president
Castro becomes president, ratified by newly-created National Assembly. -
welcomes pope
Castro welcomes Pope John Paul in first visit by a pontiff to Cuba. -
castro faints
Two hours into speech at public rally, Castro suffers brief fainting fit due to exhaustion and sun. -
castro leads march
June 12, 2002 - Castro leads march by one million Cubans along Havana waterfront in campaign to defend socialist system in face of growing dissent and U.S. pressures. -
castro hurts knee
Castro smashes left knee in fall after speech on steps of Che Guevara mausoleum in Santa Clara. -
castro has emergency surgery
Castro forced to hand over the reins of power to his brother Raul after undergoing emergency surgery to stop intestinal bleeding caused by undisclosed illness. -
DEATH