January 1
Fidel Castro leads a guerrilla army into Havana and forces Batista to flee the country. Batista resigns presidency.
Castro Becomes Prime Minister
February 16
Castro is sworn in as prime minister and brother Raul Castro becomes his deputy. Che Guevara becomes third in command.
Castro Visits Princeton University
April 29
Castro speaks on the theme of “The United States and the Revolutionary Spirit” at Princeton University, New Jersey.
CIA Issues Memo on Castro
December 11
The United States Central Intelligence Agency(CIA) issues memorandum urging “the elimination of Fidel Castro.”