Cuba Flashcards
What happened in the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961? [4]
1, 400 Cuban exiles, backed by the USA, launched an attack on Cuba to remove Castro.
The Cuban army was fully prepared and heavily outnumbered the exiles. Kennedy failed to provide air cover to the exiles. The invasion was a failure. All the exiles were captured or killed.
Describe relations between Cuba and the USA between 1959 and 1961? [4]
After the Cuban Revolution in 1959 the USA was concerned by Communism being in their backyard. The USA began to stop trading with Cuba. Cuba took over American businesses. In Jan 1961 the USA withdrew its diplomats. The USA backed the exiles in the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Describe the USA’s response to Castro’s seizure of power in Cuba [4]
The USA was concerned about a Communist country in their backyard. The USA began to stop trading with Cuba, sugar first then other products. The USA withdrew all their diplomats in Jan 1961. The USA supported the exiles in their Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961.
Describe how Cuba changed under Castro [4]
After the 1959 Cuban Revolution, Castro began to change Cuba to a Communist country. Castro took over all American-controlled businesses. Trade with the USA stopped. There was a complete breakdown in relations. Cuba began to form closer links with the Soviet Union.
Describe the USA’s reaction to the Cuban Revolution [4]
The USA was very concerned by a Communist country in their backyard. They began to stop trading with Cuba. In Jan 1961 the USA withdrew their diplomats from Cuba. The USA supported the exiles in the Bay of Pigs invasion.
Describe relations between Cuba and the USA between 1959 and the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961 [4]
After the Cuban Revolution in 1959 the USA began to be concerned by Communism so close to home. The USA began to stop trading with Cuba. Cuba began to take over American owned businesses. In Jan 1961 the USA withdrew their diplomats from Cuba.
Explain why the Soviet Union became involved in Cuba [6]
To defend Cuba the USA had backed the Bay of Pigs invasion and Cuba needed help to improve its defences against future attack.
To close the missile gap. The missiles cancelled out American missiles in Turkey.
To challenge Kennedy as part of Cold War politics.
Explain Kennedy’s options after missile sites were discovered in Cuba [6]
Do nothing - this would make him look weak and the missiles would remain in Cuba
A naval blockade - this would force Khrushchev to make the decision although it wouldn’t remove existing missiles in Cuba.
Full scale invasion - this could lead to war with the USSR.
Explain why America was concerned about Soviet missiles in Cuba [4]
Kennedy now had to act tough and stand up to the Soviets. He had promised in speeches that he would not accept missiles in Cuba.
Millions of Americans were now under threat. They could be killed with little or no notice.
It closed the missile gap and took away the American advantage (their missiles in Turkey)
Explain the consequences of the Bay of Pigs invasion [6]
Cuba felt threatened by the USA. They asked the Soviet Union for help to defend their island. Weapons/equipment sent.
Kennedy now looked weak as he did not support the exiles fully. The lack of air cover meant the invasion failed.
Cuba began to increase trade with the USSR. Eventually missiles were sent to Cuba.
Explain why news of the Soviet missiles in Cuba caused so much concern in the USA [6]
Kennedy now had to act tough and stand up to the Soviets. He had promised in speeches that he would not accept missiles in Cuba.
Millions of American citizens were now under threat.
It closed the missile gap and took away the American advantage (their missiles in Turkey)
Explain why Kruschchev sent missiles to Cuba [6]
To defend Cuba. The USA had backed the Bay of Pigs invasion and Cuba needed help to improve its defences against future attack.
To close the missile gap. The missiles cancelled out American missiles in Turkey.
To challenge Kennedy as part of Cold War politics.
What events in Cuba between 1959 and Jan 1961 led to the USA breaking off diplomatic relations? [4]
The Communist Fidel Castro replaced the American-backed General Batista. The USA began to stop trading with Cuba. Castro took over US businesses. Castro also removed all opponents who had supported Batista. The USSR began to trade with Cuba, offering financial support.
