Cuban history began with the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, leading to Spanish colonization. The island became a significant sugar producer, relying heavily on enslaved Africans for labor. In the 19th century, Cuba experienced several wars for independence, culminating in the Spanish-American War of 1898, which resulted in the end of Spanish rule. After gaining independence, Cuba faced political instability and economic challenges. In 1959, the Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel Castro, overthrew the government of Fulgencio Batista. This event marked the beginning of a socialist state, aligning Cuba with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, which significantly influenced its political and economic landscape.