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The 26th of July Movement in Cuba 1953

This was the guerrilla movement and rallying cry of Fidel Castro (1926-) as he sought to gain support of the Cuban people for the overthrow of Cuba's dictator Fulgencio Batista y Zaldivar (1901-73). July 26, 1953, commemorates the day on which Castro and about 200 young Cuban rebels attacked the Moncada army barracks at Santiago, Cuba. The effort was a futile one, and most of the attackers were killed. Fidel and his brother Raul (1931-) managed to escape. Months later they gave themselves up to stop Batista's brutal police from persecuting innocent people in Santiago who were accused of being part of the anti-government campaign. Castro was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Cuba's Isle of Pines but was pardoned after serving only 11 months. He went to Mexico and then returned to continue the fight against Batista. Castro's disastrous but daring 1953 attack and his long speech of self-defense at his trial made him a hero among the Cuban masses, especially among the young people.
Last Update: December 16, 2000

Armed Conflict Events Database

Armed Conflict Events Data (ACED) is an research project providing independent information about known wars, international disputes, civil wars, rebellions, coups, revolutions, genocides and other violent conflicts. ACED has been online since December 2000. Various partial revisions and modifications have been implemented since then, however, the limitations of the this format hamper further development. During 2005, the decision was made to radically restructure the available conflict information into a database. The new Armed Conflict Events Database (ACEDb) will substantially increase the utility of available conflict data for students of military history. As well, it will offer expanded opportunities to add and edit records of conflict. Existing research material will be maintained in its present form but no revisions are planned. More news about the development of ACEDb may be found at News About the Armed Conflict Events Database. Feedback is welcome.