Cold War Exam Questions Flashcards
Write a narrative account analysing the key events of the Bay of Pigs’ crisis in the years 1959-61
In January 1959, the Cuban Revolution took place where the Batista regime was overthrown by a group of revolutionaries led by Fidel Castro. Castro worked to end corruption in government and improve the conditions of agricultural and industrial workers. He then began appointing communists to his government and signed a trade agreement with the USSR in which Cuban sugar would be swapped for machinery, oil and economic aid. As a result, the USA grew increasing concerned by Castro’s reforms. In January 1960, Eisenhower responded by stopping buying Cuban sugar, and then banning all trade with Cuba. By January 1961 the USA stopped all diplomatic relations with Cuba. These reactions pushed Castro closer to the USSR and also led to the USA planning the Bay of Pigs invasion.
President Kennedy took over from Eisenhower in 1961, and was worried about having a communist country on 145 km away from the USA. He therefore supported a plan that had been created by the CIA to train a group of Cuban exiles living in Florida to establish a base for guerrilla activities against Castro. On 17th April 1961, an invasion force of around 1400 Cuban volunteers landed at the ‘Bay of Pigs’ in Cuba. However, they found themselves facing over 20,000 Cuban troops and the people did not rise up in support of the exiles.
As a result of the invasion, Castro was now convinced that he needed more Soviet support to defend himself so in September 1961, Khrushchev publicly announced he would provide arms to Cuba. Kennedy was humiliated as the invasion had failed and also looked hypocritical as they were supporting an invasion of an independent country. This gave the USSR the upper hand as it showed the popularity of communism. This all led to worsening relations between the USA and the USSR.
