History of Cuba History of Cuba The island of Cuba was inhabited by various Mesoamerican cultures prior to the arrival of the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus in 1492. After Columbus' arrival, Spain conquered Cuba and appointed Spanish governors to rule in Havana. In 1762, Havana was briefly occupied by Great Britain, before being returned to Spain in exchange for Florida. A series of rebellions during the 19th century failed to end the Spanish rule. However, the Spanish–American War resulted in a Spanish withdrawal from the island in 1898, and following three-and-a-half years of subsequent US military rule, Cuba gained formal independence in 1902.
Raid on Santiago de Cuba (1603) privateers to cease while peace negotiations with the Spanish were being held in London which resulted in the Treaty of London. The English returned in 1662 for another strike led by Christopher Myngs at the city; this led to the destruction of the city as well as the destruction to the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca. Raid on Santiago de Cuba (1603) The Capture of Santigao De Cuba was a minor military event that took place towards the end of the Anglo–Spanish War in May 1603. Santiago de Cuba was attacked and sacked by English privateers led by