Path to the new U.S.-Cuba relationship

Jan. 3, 1961: The United States breaks diplomatic ties with Cuba.

Feb. 7, 1962: U.S. imposes complete economic embargo on Cuba.

Dec. 17, 2014: The United States and Cuba announce they will begin a process of normalizing relations. As part of the deal, the United States releases three of five remaining Cuban spies serving long jail terms and Cuba releases a CIA agent serving a long term in Cuba. As a humanitarian gesture, Cuba releases federal subcontractor Alan Gross, who had spent five years in a Cuban jail. A limited economic and travel opening toward Cuba also is announced.

Jan. 15, 2015: U.S. Commerce Department and Treasury roll out new regulations that expand trade with and travel to Cuba.

Jan. 22, 2015: First round of normalization negotiations takes place in Havana. Talks on migration issues also held.

Feb. 13, 2015: U.S. releases rules on what types of goods and services may be imported from Cuba's self-employed sector.

April 11, 2015: President Obama and Cuban leader Raul Castro hold talks on the sidelines of the Summit of the Americas in Panama.

July 20, 2015: The United States and Cuba renew diplomatic relations and open their embassies. Cuba holds a formal flag-raising ceremony.

Aug. 14, 2015: The United States holds a flag-raising ceremony to officially reopen its embassy in Havana and Secretary of State John Kerry travels to Cuba.

Sept. 18, 2015: U.S. releases another set of Cuba regulations that allows U.S. companies to have a storefront or warehouse on the island, loosens some banking regulations, makes travel easier and permits ferry companies and cruise lines to offer Cuba itineraries without seeking prior U.S. licenses.

Sept. 28, 2015: Raul Castro delivers his first speech at the United Nations. He calls for the embargo to be lifted, return of the U.S. Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, reparations for damages caused by the embargo, and the end to Radio and TV Martí.

Sept. 29, 2015: President Obama and Raul Castro have bilateral meeting on sidelines of U.N. General Assembly.

Dec. 8, 2015: U.S. and Cuban delegations open dialogue on dealing with claims on property confiscated from U.S. citizens and corporations and Cuban counter claims for damages caused by the embargo and U.S. hostility against the Cuban people.

Dec. 10, 2015: The United States and Cuba reach agreement to start a pilot program that will take mail directly to Cuba from the United States, rather than through third countries.