QOD 4/9 What Latin American nation fell to communism in 1959?

The Bay of Pigs Operation Identify the Bay of Pigs Operation and the outcome. What impact did this invasion have on Kennedy’s presidency?

Communism in Cuba 1959, Fidel Castro overthrew Cuban gov’t in a coup and established the small island nation under a communist gov’t President Eisenhower chose to officially recognize the new gov’t of Cuba- WHY? Many American investors and land owners quickly fled Cuba, as well as Cubans themselves, since Castro nationalized all American controlled businesses

Focusing Question Why do you think the expansion of communism to Cuba was a defeat for American during the Cold War? Expansion of Communism into Western Hemisphere Warsaw country close to USA

CIA Operative 1961- Eisenhower Administration ordered CIA invasion & overthrow of Castro Recruited & trained Cuban exiles (knowledge of land) Why exiles, why didn’t the U.S. utilize their own military? The hope was that other Cubans would join the exiles in their attempt to overthrow Castro Plan executed during Kennedy’s presidency

Focusing Question In your opinion, did the United States have the right to try and change the government in Cuba by force? Why or why not? Pro Con

Bay of Pigs April 17, 1961- Invasion of Cuba The Plan FAILED No protection when landing 900 of the 1,400 invaders were captured or killed Cuban citizens did not join in the fight against Castro Negative image of Kennedy as military leader

Kennedy’s Reaction Kennedy took full responsibility for failure Emphasized US would continue to resist “communist penetration” in the Western Hemisphere Relations with Cuba would reach climax in 1962

Focusing Question Why did the Bay of Pigs Invasion fail? Invasion was inadequately planned due to the transfer of presidential administrations and poorly executed due to use of exiles rather than trained military