Bay Of Pigs Flashcards
Who ruled Cuba before Castro
Batista, an army officer, who seized power with the help of the USA
When was the Cuban revolution
January 1959
How far away was Cuba from America
145 km
What reforms were introduced after Castro overthrew Bastia in the 1959 revolution
Castro worked to end corruption in government and improve the conditions of agricultural and industrial workers
Why did the USA grow increasingly concerned by Castro’s reforms
Castro began appointing communists to his government and signed a trade deal with the USSR in which Cuban sugar would be exchanged for machinery, oil and economic aid (and controversial weapons such as machine guns) Castro nationalised American industries in Cuba
How did the USA react
In January 1960 the USA stopped buying Cuban sugar and then banned all trade with Cuba, by January 1961 the USA stopped all diplomatic relations with Cuba
What effect did these relations have
This pushed Castro closer to the USSR they now planned something for more drastic, the bay of pigs
What was the bay of pigs
This was led by Cuban exiles, living in Florida the plan was supported by JFK . Weapons, training and transport was provided by the CIA. The exiles hoped to establish a base for guerrilla activities against Castro and were confident that the Cuban people would support them
Why was this such a disaster
This force of 1499 exiles landed in Cuba but found themselves facing over 20000 Cuban troops, the people did not rise up in support of the exiles. Most importantly both Castro and Khrushchev knew it had been planned by the CIA- JFK was humiliated
What were the consequences of this invasion
- Castro wanted more soviet support
- September 1961 Khrushchev announced he would put arms in Cuba
- by 1962 Castro had a well equipped army with the help of soviet specialists
- Castro declares he’s a communist
What were the effects of the invasion on relations between the USA and USSR
- Kennedy was humiliated
- the USA looked hypocritical as the invaded an independent country
- the USSR had the upper hand (Cuba wanted communism)
- Stronger relationships were established between Cuba and the USSR (Kennedy threatened)
