Batista's coup of 1952 brought in a period of brutal suppression, corruption and a curb on Cuban citizen's human rights.

Castro, a young lawyer, tried to challenge Batista through the legal system, but when that failed he and other revolutionaries stormed Moncada barracks on 26th July 1953. The group was arrested and then released into exile.

Returning to Cuba in 1956 with Che Guevarra, the 26th July Movement conducted attacks on the government and recruited young men until in 1959 they succesfully overthrew the government.

In an attempt to create a fairer society the newly formed government returned land to the peasants. Unfortunately this was land owned by American investors. The ensuing trade embargo crippled the country, turned it towards the Soviets and nearly led to nuclear war.