Fidel Castro meets Che Guevara in Mexico

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.

Revolutionaries created the July 26 Movement, named after the Moncada attack, to unite urban resistance with preparations for armed struggle.

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.

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.

Fidel Castro and José Antonio Echeverría agreed to coordinate opposition to Batista while maintaining their organizations’ autonomy.

Eighty-two revolutionaries sailed from Tuxpan aboard the overcrowded yacht Granma to begin an armed struggle in Cuba.

Inside Cuba, Sánchez and the Oriente underground organized guides, supplies and contacts for the expedition expected from Mexico.