The July 26 Movement is organized

Fulgencio Batista became constitutional president after his main opponent withdrew, arguing that repression made a fair election impossible.

Popular pressure contributed to an amnesty that freed Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro and other imprisoned rebels.

The freed Moncada participants were welcomed by supporters and began rebuilding an opposition movement against Batista.

After the amnesty, the two surviving Moncada participants helped rebuild clandestine networks and preserve the movement’s political memory.

Supporters publicly greeted the Moncada prisoners, demonstrating that the failed assault had become a national political symbol.

Facing surveillance and repression, Fidel Castro departed for Mexico to organize an expeditionary force.

Castro arrived in Mexico, where Cuban exiles recruited supporters, raised funds and prepared for guerrilla warfare.

Soon after Castro’s arrival, the Argentine doctor Ernesto Che Guevara joined the planned expedition and its anti-imperialist project.

In a speech to expatriates, Castro defended insurrection against Batista and appealed for money and political support for a return to Cuba.

Mexican authorities arrested Fidel Castro, Che Guevara and other expedition members, temporarily disrupting their preparations.