Cuba Columbus claims Cuba

Christopher Columbus arrived on the north Caribbean island of Cuba in 1492—the same year he discovered America—and claimed it for Spain. From then until the close of the 19th century, Cuba remained in Spanish hands despite threats from pirates and other countries (including the British, who in 1762 occupied Havana for 11 months). In the late 19th century there were two wars of independence as Cuba sought to free itself from Spain. The first, from 1868-78, ended with the Spanish promising various economic and political reforms to the Cuban people, some of which never materialised. This led to another drive for independence inspired by the revolutionary and poet Jos? Mart?, and a second war, from 1895-8, which ended in victory for the Cubans after the US joined in and helped them defeat the Spanish.

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