Democracy in 20th Century Cuba And the Rise of Fidel Castro

1898

Spanish American War ends Cuba receives its freedom from Spain. US military forces occupy the island.

The US military general, appointed to oversee a temporary government, convened a group of Cuban leaders to create a new Cuban constitution.

First elected president of Cuba, Tomas Estrada Palma, aka Don Tomas

The Cuban constitution, written and ratified by Cuban congressional delegates. Carlos Márquez-Sterling Sr. was the chair of that committee.

General Batista leads a bloodless coup d’etat.

General Batista flees the island, allowing for Fidel Castro and Che Guevara to enter Havana unopposed.