Cuba was the last major Spanish colony to gain independence, following a lengthy struggle that began in 1868.

José Martí, Cuba's national hero, helped initiate the final push for independence in 1895.

In December 1898, Spain relinquished control of Cuba to the United States with the Treaty of Paris.

Relations between the United States and Cuba deteriorated rapidly as the Cuban government expropriated US properties and developed close ties with the Soviet Union.

On January 3, 1961, the US withdrew diplomatic recognition of the Cuban government and closed the embassy in Havana.