What were the major battles fought during the Cuban Revolution?

The Cuban Revolution, which took place from 1953 to 1959, involved several major battles that played a crucial role in the overthrow of the Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista and the establishment of Fidel Castro's revolutionary government. Here are some of the significant battles fought during the Cuban Revolution:

1. Moncada Barracks Attack (July 26, 1953): Considered the starting point of the revolution, this attack was led by Fidel Castro and a group of revolutionaries against the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba. Although the attack failed, it marked the beginning of the armed struggle against Batista's regime.

2. Granma Expedition (December 2, 1956): Fidel Castro, along with 81 revolutionaries, sailed from Mexico to Cuba aboard the yacht Granma. They intended to initiate a guerrilla war against Batista's forces. However, they faced numerous challenges, including rough seas and being attacked upon landing. Only a small group survived and retreated to the Sierra Maestra mountains.

3. Battle of La Plata (July 11-21, 1957): This battle took place in the Sierra Maestra mountains, where Castro's guerrilla forces engaged in combat with Batista's army. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the revolutionaries managed to defeat the government troops, gaining confidence and support from the local population.

4. Battle of Santa Clara (December 28, 1958): Led by Commander Ernesto "Che" Guevara, this battle was a turning point in the revolution. Guevara's forces attacked and captured the city of Santa Clara, cutting off Batista's army from the eastern and western parts of the country. This victory severely weakened Batista's regime and led to its eventual collapse.

5. Battle of Havana (January 1, 1959): As Batista's forces crumbled, Fidel Castro's revolutionary army marched into Havana, the capital city of Cuba. The battle for Havana was relatively bloodless, as Batista's troops surrendered or fled. This marked the end of the Cuban Revolution and the beginning of Castro's rule.

These battles, along with numerous smaller skirmishes and guerrilla operations, were instrumental in the success of the Cuban Revolution. They demonstrated the determination and resilience of the revolutionaries, as well as their ability to mobilize popular support and effectively challenge Batista's regime.