Cuba Timeline By lilsp00n Jan 1, 1511 Cuba Discovered Spain begins to conquer Cuba, under the leadership of Diego de Velazquez May 6, 1511 Spain begins to conquer Cuba, under the leadership of Diego de Velazquez May 6, 1760 The first Africans are shipped to Cuba to work as slaves on Spanish farms May 6, 1762 Britain captures Cuba from Spain and trades it a year later for Florida May 6, 1898 The United States defeats Spain in the Spanish-American War and wins Cuba May 6, 1902 The U.S. officials leave, and Cuba gains independence but remains under U.S. protection May 6, 1958 Fidel Castro and his rebels overthrow Batista