Page "History of Cuba" Paragraph 41

The most outstanding attempts in support of annexation were made by former Spanish Army General Narciso López, who prepared four filibuster expeditions to Cuba in the US.

The first two, in 1848 and 1849, failed before departure due to US opposition.

The third, made up of some 600 men, managed to land in Cuba and take the central city of Cárdenas, but failed eventually due to a lack of popular support.

López's fourth expedition landed in Pinar del Río province with around 400 men in August 1851 ; the invaders were defeated by Spanish troops and López was executed.