The relationship between the United States and Cuba has been marked by tension and conflict for over a century. Since the US imposed an economic embargo in 1960, the two nations have experienced periods of hostility and limited cooperation. Here is a timeline of key moments in their ties.
In 1898, the US defeated Spain, which ceded Cuba to the US. Cuba became independent in 1902, but the Platt Amendment kept it under US protection and allowed US intervention. The US occupied Cuba from 1906 to 1909 after a rebellion, and again in 1912 to suppress protests. In 1934, the US abandoned its right to intervene and revised trade policies to favour Cuba.
Fidel Castro came to power in 1959 after leading a guerrilla war. The US broke off diplomatic relations and imposed a trade embargo in 1960 after Cuba nationalised US businesses. The US backed the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, and the CIA plotted to assassinate Castro. The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
In the following decades, the US tightened its embargo, while Cuba introduced market reforms. In 1996, the embargo was made permanent after Cuba shot down US aircraft. The case of Elian Gonzalez in 1999-2000 highlighted tensions. In 2001, the US began holding prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, and in 2002, the US accused Cuba of developing biological weapons.
