Brief History of Cuba

Pre-colonial era

• 1000 BCE–10th century CE: Over the centuries, various indigenous groups in Cuba, such as the Guanahatabey, Taíno, and Ciboney peoples, develop distinct cultures and societies, each with unique traditions, social structures, and economic systems. Their interactions with each other and their responses to environmental challenges contribute to a rich pre-colonial history.
• 10th century: The Taíno people begin migrating from the mainland of South and Central America to the Caribbean islands, including Cuba, establishing a presence that lasts until the arrival of the Spanish. By the time of European contact, the Taíno are the most dominant group.
• The region known today as Cuba is inhabited by the Guanahatabey, Taíno and Ciboney peoples, who live in small agricultural and fishing communities across the island.

Spanish colonisation

• 1492: Christopher Columbus lands in Cuba, marking the beginning of Spanish colonial rule.
• 1511–1898: Under Spanish rule, Cuba's economy becomes heavily reliant on sugar, coffee, and tobacco production. The exploitation and forced labour of enslaved Africans and indigenous peoples significantly impact the social fabric and living conditions in Cuba. The influence of Spanish colonisation leads to a complex blend of cultural and social dynamics, which will continue to shape the country's identity over the next five centuries.
• 1868–1878: The Ten Years' War, the first of three wars for Cuban independence from Spain, takes place, ending in a peace treaty that grants minor concessions to the rebels.
• 1895–1898: The Cuban War of Independence culminates in the Spanish-American War, leading to Spanish withdrawal and establishing a US military government in Cuba.

Early Republic and US influence

• 1902: The Republic of Cuba is formally established, initially as a US protectorate, with Tomás Estrada Palma as its first president.
• During these early years of the republic, political instability and economic volatility become prevalent. The economy, tied mainly to sugar prices on the world market, experiences significant fluctuations, impacting the livelihoods of many Cubans. Foreign corporations, particularly from the United States, establish a notable influence over Cuban resources and industries.
• 1933: A sergeants' revolt, led by Fulgencio Batista, overthrows the government, leading to a period of political instability.
• This period sees a series of provisional governments, coups and counter-coups. The political unrest during this time reflects the growing discontent among different segments of Cuban society, setting a precursor for revolutionary sentiments.
• 1940: A new Cuban constitution is adopted, promoting social and economic rights.
• Despite the new constitution, political and social unrest continues, exacerbated by corrupt governance, economic disparities and the influence of foreign corporations. The stage is gradually set for broader social and economic reforms as discontent brews among the populace.

Revolution and aftermath

• 1953–1959: The Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and others, fights against the authoritarian government of Fulgencio Batista, culminating in Batista's ousting on January 1, 1959.
• 1959: Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries overthrow the US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista and establish a socialist government in Cuba. The new government nationalises many industries and landholdings, leading to tensions with the US and other Western countries.
• 1960: Cuba aligns itself with the Soviet Union, significantly impacting its international relations and domestic policies. Following the nationalisation of American-owned oil refineries, the US imposes a trade embargo on Cuba that will dramatically impact Cuba's economy and access to essential goods and financial markets. This embargo will last more than six decades.
• 1961: The US sponsors a failed invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs, further straining relations between the two countries.
• 1962: The Cuban Missile Crisis brings the US and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war, spotlighting Cuba's strategic importance during the Cold War.

Post-revolution era

• 1980: The Mariel boatlift sees around 125,000 Cubans immigrate to the US following a downturn in the Cuban economy.
• 1990s: In response to economic hardships, Cuba initiates economic reforms that include opening up its economy to limited private enterprise and foreign investment. These changes lead to a modest improvement in living conditions, but challenges such as access to resources and income disparities persist.
• 1991: The dissolution of the Soviet Union leads to economic hardship in Cuba, known as the Special Period.
• 1993: The Cuban government introduces economic reforms, including legalising the US dollar and establishing agricultural markets.

21st-century developments

• 2008: Fidel Castro retires from presidency, and his brother Raúl Castro takes over.
• 2014: The United States and Cuba announce a restoration of diplomatic relations after more than 50 years of hostilities, symbolising a thaw in the historically tense relationship. Meanwhile, Cuba continues to face internal challenges, including political dissent and economic hardships, amidst evolving global partnerships and regional dynamics.
• 2015: The US and Cuba further their diplomatic thaw with mutual announcements of embassy reopenings in their respective capitals.
• 2016: Former US President Barack Obama visits Cuba, becoming the first sitting US president to do so in almost 90 years.
• 2018: Miguel Díaz-Canel becomes president, marking the first time in nearly six decades that a Castro is not in power.
• Recent years: Cuba faces economic challenges, including shortages of essential goods and a decline in tourism due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, large-scale protests erupt across Cuba, reflecting widespread discontent with the country's complex economic and political landscape.