What were the key battles of the Cuban Revolution?

The Cuban Revolution, which took place from 1953 to 1959, involved several key battles that played a crucial role in the overthrow of the Cuban government and the rise of Fidel Castro's revolutionary forces. Some of the key battles of the Cuban Revolution include:

1. Moncada Barracks Attack (1953): This was the first major battle of the revolution, led by Fidel Castro and a group of revolutionaries. Although the attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba was unsuccessful, it marked the beginning of the armed struggle against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista.

2. Granma Landing (1956): After regrouping and reorganizing, Fidel Castro and his followers, including Che Guevara, sailed from Mexico to Cuba aboard the yacht Granma. The landing in December 1956 marked the start of the guerrilla warfare phase of the revolution.

3. Battle of Santa Clara (1958): Considered one of the decisive battles of the revolution, the Battle of Santa Clara was led by Che Guevara. The capture of this strategic city in central Cuba weakened Batista's forces and boosted the morale of the revolutionaries.

4. Battle of Sierra Maestra (1956-1958): The Sierra Maestra mountains served as the base for Fidel Castro and his guerrilla fighters. This prolonged battle against Batista's army allowed the revolutionaries to gain support from local peasants and gradually expand their control over the region.

5. Battle of Havana (1959): As the revolution gained momentum, Batista's forces began to crumble. The Battle of Havana marked the final stage of the revolution, with Castro's forces entering the capital city and forcing Batista to flee the country on January 1, 1959.

These key battles, along with other smaller engagements and acts of resistance, ultimately led to the success of the Cuban Revolution, resulting in the establishment of a socialist government under Fidel Castro's leadership.