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Cuba wins independence from Spain
Cuba wins its independence from Spain in 1898 with the help of the United States. For the next 60 years, Cuba was strongly influenced by the United States. -
U.S. adds Platt Amendment to Cuban Constitution
The Platt Amendment was passed by the American Congress in 1901 and was added to the Cuban constitution. It gave the United States the right to lease land for a naval base on Cuban territory, and gave the United States the right to intervene with military force should events on the island seem to be dangerous to American interests. -
Fidel becomes dictator in Cuba
Fidel Castro organized a guerrilla army and fought against Fulgencio Batista who was leading a repressive and corrupt government. Castro established a communist dictatorship in Cuba. He became close to Soviet leader Krushchev. -
Bay of Pigs Invasion
The United States supported a plot to kill Fidel Castro that was led by Cuban exiles. The invading forces were quickly crushed. -
U.S. Trade Embargo with Cuba
The U.S. imposed a trade embargo with Cuba. It refused to trade with Cuba because it was a Communist Nation. -
Castro allows Soviet missile sites in Cuba
Fidel Castro sought closer ties with the Soviet Union. Castro allowed the Soviet Union to build nuclear missile sites in Cuba. -
Krushev removes missiles
The Soviet Leader, Nikita Krushchev agreed to remove missiles from Cuba if President Kennedy pledged that the U.S. would not invade Communist Cuba. -
Kennedy orders a naval blockade of Cuba
After demanding the removal of missiles from Cuba and ordered a naval blockade. This incident became known as the Cuban Missile Crisis.
