Case Study Cuban Missile Crisis

Cuba

Really old background info… Late 19 th C Spanish colonies in America were seeking independence Spanish-American civil war US became ruling power in Cuba US agreed to leave but only if Cuba accepted conditions of Platt Amendment (1901)

Platt Amendment Cuba could not transfer territory to anyone other than US US had the right to intervene in Cuban affairs for the sake of “Cuban Independence”

Another Historical Document Munroe Agreement 1823 President James Munroe “any attempt by a European power to control any nation in the western hemisphere would be considered as a hostile act towards the US”

Background s Ruled by pro-American Fulgencio Batista Ruled by small group of rich and powerful (mostly foreign, especially US) Vast majority- peasantry

Cuba under Batista Cuba as “America’s Playground” Investments in sugar, ENTERTAINMENT Examples: Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights Godfather

Cuban Revolution* Fidel Castro led forces in revolution (aided by Che Guevara) Goal: overthrow Batista -fought via guerrilla warfare -supported by peasants

Castro’s Reforms : Nationalizes previously owned US sugar estates and cattle ranches Planned to redistribute Cuban wealth Began promoting anti-American sentiments ****Cubans who oppose Castro flee to US

Problems Castro signs treaty with USSR (does not formally declare communist) Castro nationalized oil refineries (America had refused to refine Soviet crude oil) US refuses to sell military hardware to Cubans Castro goes to USSR for assistance

1961- Eisenhower ends diplomatic relations with Cuba

During the Revolution Cubans fled to US Refugees thought stay in US temporary and would return to Cuba once Castro fell Eisenhower invested $ to help Cubans plan a counter-revolution

Operation Pluto Eisenhower trained 1500 Cubans to attack Cuba with assistance of CIA Thought if they attacked, would spark a popular revolution and others would join

While this is happening… Cuba’s relationship with USSR growing, Castro formally declares he’s a communist in Kennedy takes over from Eisenhower

Bay of Pigs Planned attack on Cuba by Cuban refugees April 10, 1961 Lasted 3 days Poorly equipped, poorly planned Did not receive promised air support from America

Why didn’t Kennedy send support? Wanted to claim “plausible deniability” Did not want to get directly involved

Mini-Assignment To be completed and handed in by the end of class From what you just learned about Cuba PREDICT: 1. what will Castro do next and why? 2. What will Kennedy do next and why? What will Kennedy use to justify this?

Cuban Missile Crisis After Bay of Pigs: Castro approaches Khrushchev for more weapons (p. 68) February America launches an economic embargo against Cuba Won’t trade with them, high taxes on those that do

What’s Happening 1- Changes to Guantanamo 2- Cuba obtains weapons

Guantanamo Bay American naval base since 1903 (American-Cuban Treaty gave perpetual lease) Cuban government opposes base Once Castro in power: refuses to cash rental cheques

Guantanamo continued… Oct 22, military families evacuated US troops placed landmines to protect area (1996- Clinton replaces with motion sensors)

Cuba Obtains Weapons June 17-October : USSR transfers 24 launching pads, rockets, 45 nuclear warheads, bombers, aircraft, and troops Cuba denies YouTube - Kennedy addresses the nation on the Cuban Missile Crisis YouTube - Kennedy addresses the nation on the Cuban Missile Crisis What action will Kennedy take? What will become the policy of the US regarding the Cubans launching a missile?

Result of Tension: America puts up “Quarantine” of Cuba To stop weapons from entering Cuba Lasts 13 days Referred to as “October Crisis”

Crisis Ends After tense negotiations it was decided between Khrushchev and Kennedy: USSR would remove troops and weapons US would remove missiles from Turkey