First Battle of Santo Domingo begins

Police and military units killed or arrested activists, exposing weaknesses between the urban underground and guerrilla leadership.

Police and soldiers occupied workplaces and streets, while participating workers risked dismissal, arrest and death.

The broadcast defended the failed strike movement, condemned Batista’s repression and insisted that the armed struggle would continue.

Batista sent thousands of soldiers into the Sierra Maestra to destroy a much smaller rebel force.

The government offensive combined military pressure with bombing and forced movement in areas suspected of supporting the rebels.

Guides, scouts and local knowledge allowed a much smaller force to resist Batista’s army in the mountains.

The army failed to break through the rebel defensive zone, beginning the reversal of Operation Verano.

Rebels surrounded an army battalion near La Plata, cutting its supplies and communications.

The guerrillas cut roads and supplies, turning a government advance into a siege that undermined army morale.

Cuban opposition groups agreed to coordinate the struggle against Batista and support a provisional government after victory.