Columbus' landing on Cuba in 1492 ushers in 400 years of Spanish domination. Through all their hardships, the people of Cuba continue to strive for freedom.
Sugarcane makes many Cubans rich, while others suffer in poverty. To ward off Communism, the United States turns to a Cuban soldier called Fulgencio Batista.
To curb cheating in Cuba's casinos, Batista makes a pact with the mafia. A young lawyer named Fidel Castro gathers fighters for a suicidal attack on the regime.
In exile, Fidel Castro joins forces with Che Guevara. They lead a group of rebels back to Cuba, but are hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned by Batista's army.
After becoming the leader of Cuba, Fidel Castro has to decide the island's future. Out of fear of Communism, the CIA initiates the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Cuba and the Soviet Union become allies, and Soviet nuclear missiles are set up on the island. When the US finds out, the world is at the brink of nuclear war.
Cuba's survival depends on its Communist allies. The end of the Cold War means the end of foreign aid to the island - and pushes Cuba to the brink of famine.