Che Guevara's Milestones

Che Guevara was an Argentine Marxist revolutionary and physician, a key leader in the Cuban Revolution, and remains a global symbol of rebellion, anti-imperialism, and social justice.
1928

Birth

Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was born in Rosario, Argentina, to Ernesto Guevara Lynch and Celia de la Serna.

Family June 14, 1928
1930

Asthma diagnosis

Diagnosed with severe asthma, a condition that affected him throughout his life.

Other January 1, 1930
1932

Early education

Attended primary and secondary schools in Alta Gracia and Córdoba, excelling academically despite health issues.

Education March 1, 1932 - December 1, 1946
1944

Influenced by literature and politics

Read widely in philosophy, Marxism, and political theory during his teens.

Education January 1, 1944 - February 28, 1947
1947

Studied medicine

Studied medicine at the University of Buenos Aires, graduating as a physician.

Education March 1, 1947 - June 12, 1953
1950

First long-distance journey

Took a solo motorized bicycle journey through rural Argentina, sparking his interest in travel and social conditions.

Other January 1, 1950 - December 31, 1950
1952

Motorcycle journey

Traveled across South America by motorcycle, witnessing poverty and injustice, which shaped his political views.

Other January 4, 1952 - July 26, 1952
1953

Activism in Guatemala

Traveled to Guatemala, supported Jacobo Árbenz's government, and witnessed the US-backed coup.

Other December 24, 1953 - September 1, 1954
1954

Exile in Mexico

Lived in Mexico after fleeing Guatemala, where he met Cuban exiles and became involved in revolutionary planning.

Other September 2, 1954 - November 25, 1956
1955

Met Fidel Castro

Met Fidel Castro in Mexico, joining the revolutionary 26th of July Movement.

Relationship July 8, 1955
1956

Cuban Revolution

Played a key role in the Cuban Revolution, leading guerrilla forces to victory.

Achievement December 2, 1956 - January 1, 1959
1959

Appointed Minister

Held various government positions in Cuba, including Minister of Industries, President of the National Bank, and head of agrarian reform.

Career January 1, 1959 - April 1, 1965
1964

International diplomacy and UN speech

Represented Cuba at the United Nations, delivering a landmark speech on anti-imperialism.

Achievement December 11, 1964
1965

Left Cuba for Congo

Left Cuba to support revolutionary movements in Africa, notably in the Congo.

Other April 1, 1965 - November 21, 1965
1966

Bolivian campaign

Led a guerrilla campaign in Bolivia, where he was eventually captured and executed.

Other November 7, 1966 - October 9, 1967
1967

Death

Executed by Bolivian forces in La Higuera, Bolivia.

Other October 9, 1967