Cuban History By MitchellM Dec 20, 1492 Columbus lands on Cuba Dec 20, 1529 2/3 of Taínos died Dec 20, 1868 Cuba becomes free from Spain Dec 20, 1898 US declares war on Spain Dec 20, 1898 War ends with Treaty of Paris Dec 20, 1902 Cuba becomes full independent country Dec 20, 1926 Birht of Fidel Castro Dec 20, 1931 Raul Castro is born Dec 20, 1940 Batista was leader of military prior to this Dec 20, 1940 Declares himself as leader of Cuba Dec 20, 1959 Batista is forced out of leadership Dec 20, 1959 Castro takes leadership Oct 14, 1962 US spy planes take photos over Cuba Oct 16, 1962 US learns of Russia's shipments Oct 16, 1962 US puts Naval quarantine on Cuba Oct 17, 1962 US moves military to southern US Oct 18, 1962 Gromyko says they are just helping Cuba out Oct 20, 1962 US puts a Naval Blockade on Cuba Oct 22, 1962 Kenndy calls press and tells them what he is going to do Dec 20, 2011 Fidel Hands Over Leadership to His Brother Raul