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Fidel Castro's first attempt to instigate revolution in Cuba occurred on July 26, 1953, when he led a poorly coordinated assault on military barracks in Santiago and Bayamo. Despite their strategic planning to leverage the ongoing carnival celebrations to catch the army off guard, the armed rebels faced overwhelming odds and lack of weaponry, which ultimately led to their defeat. The surprise element intended to work in their favor backfired as the military had heightened their patrols in preparation for potential unrest, resulting in casualties and the capture of many fighters. Although this campaign ended in disaster, it became a significant political symbol that marked the beginning of Castro's revolutionary journey towards power.