Christopher Columbus arrives in Cuba and claims the country from Spain
1511
Diego Velazquez counquers Cuban natives. Spain colonizes Cuba
1515
Foundation of Havana
Period: 1523 to 1526
Sugar is first grown and slaves arrive from Africa
Havana becomes Cuba's capitol
About one-third of Havana's population dies of yellow fever
Havana is captured during seven years war
Treaty of Paris releases Havana
The Spanish-American War begins and America defeats Spain becoming owners of Cuba
America frees Cuba and sets up Estrada Palma as the first president of Cuba
Fidel Castro leads a guerrilla party to drive Batista out of Cuba and becomes dictator of Cuba with his brother, Raul, becoming minister of the armed forces