The first Cuban Congress met on May 5, 1902 and assumed governance on May 20,
(May 20 is to Cuba as July 4 is to the U.S.). Thomas Estrada Palma was the first
President of the new Republic; however, a revolution occurred in July 1906 that re-
sulted in President Taft setting up a provisional government. Peace was restored and
the American provisional government was withdrawn three years later on April 1, 1909.
Cuba recovered and prospered primarily due to the high price of sugar until 1920, when
a financial crisis struck. A fifty- million dollar loan from the U.S. returned Cuba to pro-
sperity until revolts against President Zayas became widespread.
General Gerardo Machado was elected in 1925 and re-elected in 1928. General Ma-
chado was reportedly Cuba's first full fledged dictator. During his second term, martial
law was declared and the Cuban Congress allowed him to suspend freedom of speech,
press and assembly. He was forced to flee the country in August 1933.
Cuba had many presidents, but they were made or unmade by Fulgencio Batista y Zaldi-
var, who had control of the army. Disorder and strife continued with the U.S. at the
center of real and alleged problems. Groups in the U.S. tried to use Cuba and groups in
Cuba tried to use the U.S.
In 1940, Colonel Batista was elected president. During his term, Cuba entered World War II
on the side of the allies and established diplomatic relations with the USSR. Batista was
defeated in 1944 by Grau San Martin and Cuba joined the United Nations; however, falling
sugar prices started to disrupt Cuba's economy severely.
In 1948, Carlos Prio Socarras was elected president, but was overthrown by Batista in 1952.
By 1952, nine political parties had been formed, but Batista staged a coup without waiting
for an election. Cuba continued in a state of insurgency with anti-Batista elements con-
ducting various degrees of opposition, but Batista was re-elected in 1954.
On January 1, 1959, Batista resigned and fled the country.
Fidel Castro set up a provisional government with himself as premier.
http://www.keyshistory.org/cuba.html