July 26, 1953 - Leads armed uprising against military dictator Fulgencio Batista. Captured in failed attack on Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba.

On July 26, 1953, Fidel Castro took a bold step that would mark the beginning of his revolutionary legacy by leading an armed uprising against Cuban military dictator Fulgencio Batista. Alongside a group of about 160 rebels, he launched an attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba, the second-largest military garrison in the country. Though the operation was meticulously planned, it ultimately ended in failure due to poor coordination and overwhelming military response. The assault resulted in many deaths, and Fidel, along with his brother Raúl and other survivors, was captured by Batista’s forces. Despite its failure, the Moncada attack became a powerful symbol of resistance against tyranny in Cuba. During his trial, Fidel delivered his now-famous speech, "History Will Absolve Me," which not only defended his actions but also outlined his vision for a just and equitable Cuba. Though sentenced to prison, he gained national attention and later benefited from a political amnesty in 1955. The events of July 26 would inspire the name of his revolutionary movement, the "26th of July Movement," which would go on to successfully overthrow Batista just six years later. #MoncadaBarracks #CubanRevolution #FidelCastro #HistoryWillAbsolveMe #July26Movement #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife