1. Historical Background

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On 29 October 1492 Christopher Columbus landed in Cuba and claimed the island for Spain. Most of the Indians that inhabited the island were wiped out and Cuba remained under Spanish rule for the next four centuries.

Twice in the nineteenth century America offered to buy Cuba from the Spanish. Each time the offer was refused.

In 1853 Jose Marti was born (pictured above left). He was to become a leader seeking Cuban independence. He died aged 42 in his first battle for this independence. Even today, many years after his death, his memory is revered by both Cubans and Cuban exiles who claim him as their own.

At the turn of the century Spain withdrew from Cuba and Cuba was temporarily in the hands of the United States. Over the next few years America withdraws and Cuba is allowed fly its own flag in Havana. However, the American influence remained strong in Cuba with close alliances between Cuban Presidents and the U.S.

Fulgencio Batista (pictured bottom right) was born in Banes in 1901. He held power in Cuba, first as President, later as Dictator, for two separate non-continuous terms. His government was on good terms with the United States. Large American corporations grew rich off Cuba's resources, while the people of Cuba remained very poor.

Batista offered neither health care nor education to his country's people. The bulk of the people lived in great poverty while Batista and his friends lived a wealthy lifestyle. Many people opposed Batista, most importantly Fidel Castro and his organisation.