Cuba and America in the Cold War
Bay of Pigs Invasion What happened? Cuba = Communist CIA tries to overthrow
January 1961: John F. Kennedy gets program Fidel Castro US Concerned: thought he was threat Castro verbally attacks US companies/interests Anti-American speeches Closer relationship with Soviet Union March 1960: President Dwight D. Eisenhower orders CIA to train Cuban exiles for attack January 1961: John F. Kennedy gets program
The Invasion Military advisers “little success” Kennedy launches attack Force lands on Cuba April 17, 1961 Serve as starting point to overthrow government Rapid counterattack Supply ships sink US: no air support Invasion Fails Miserably 100 killed 1,100 captured
Aftermath Latin America Castro calls US “Yankee Imperialists” Mad at use of arms Castro gains popularity Castro calls US “Yankee Imperialists” Strengthens his rule Request help from Soviets US blockade of Cuba Aftermath *Helps lead to Cuban Missile Crisis*
Cuban Missile Crisis, Oct. 16-28, 1962 Closest point to nuclear conflict Missile Placement US: Turkey/Italy, directed at Moscow Soviet Union: Cuba, directed at US Castro/Soviets: build in Summer
United States Sees Missiles Noticed preparations Gets clear photo evidence Considers attacking, settles with military blockade Expects confrontation
Conclusion Secret talks begin Threat Agreement reached Soviets attempt to run blockade, shoot down plane US can respond immediately, Kennedy waits Agreement reached Both disarm warheads US never invades Cuba again Moscow-Washington hotline established