Cuban military history is marked by significant events, including the Spanish-American War in 1898, which led to the end of Spanish colonial rule. The Cuban Revolution in the late 1950s, led by figures like Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, resulted in the establishment of a socialist government and a restructured military focused on defending the revolution. Throughout the Cold War, Cuba's military became closely aligned with the Soviet Union, participating in conflicts such as the Angolan Civil War and sending troops to support various liberation movements. Today, the Cuban Armed Forces play a crucial role in national defense and civil support, reflecting the country's historical military evolution.