History Daily 1257: The Start of the Cuban Revolution
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Dec 2, 2025 Fidel Castro ignites the Cuban Revolution on December 2, 1956. The podcast details his ambitious yet failed attempt to seize Moncada barracks, followed by his dramatic trial where he famously said, 'history will absolve me.' After exile in Mexico, Castro recruits Che Guevara and plans a daring invasion aboard the Granma. The journey is fraught with challenges, leading to an ambush upon landing. Despite early setbacks, a small band of survivors regroup in the Sierra Maestra to wage a successful guerrilla war against Batista, reshaping Cuba forever.
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Disastrous Landing On A Leaky Yacht
- Fidel Castro and 81 rebels landed in Cuba on a decrepit 50-foot yacht packed far beyond capacity.
- The ship crashed into a mangrove swamp and most supplies were lost, foreshadowing a disastrous opening to the invasion.
Moncada Attack And Trial Pivot
- Castro led the July 26 attack on the Moncada barracks which failed, resulting in deaths, captures, and his trial and exile.
- He used his trial platform to proclaim "history will absolve me" and rebuilt his movement from Mexico.
Recruiting Che And The 'Grandma' Yacht
- In Mexico City Castro recruited Ernesto "Che" Guevara and trained with veterans and local militants for a year.
- They bought a shabby yacht named Grandma and departed on November 25, 1956, despite its poor condition.
