Rebels assemble for the Moncada operation

Fulgencio Batista overthrew President Carlos Prío Socarrás, cancelled elections and suspended constitutional government. The coup created the dictatorship against which the revolutionary movement...

Batista’s coup prevented an election in which reformist and opposition parties expected to compete, closing an important legal path for political change.

A force led by Fidel Castro attacked the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba. The failed assault later gave its date and symbolism to the July 26 Movement.

A group led by Abel Santamaría took the Saturnino Lora Civil Hospital as part of the Moncada plan. Many participants were captured after the assault failed.

Raúl Castro commanded a detachment assigned to the Palace of Justice overlooking the Moncada complex.

Revolutionaries attacked the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Barracks in Bayamo to hinder reinforcements from reaching Santiago.

The attackers lost the element of surprise and withdrew. Batista’s forces then pursued, tortured and killed many captured rebels.