Cuba Flashcards
Who was the US backed dictator?
Batista
How much of Cuban trade did the US own?
50% sugar industry, majority of cattle ranches and mines and utilities.
What reforms did Castro introduce?
Land and business nationalisation, the state owned it.
Communists were also introduced into government.
When did Castro visit the US?
1959 - Eisenhower refused to meet him.
What pushed Castro to the Soviets?
A US trade embargo on Cuba forced Castro to rely on the USSR. By 1962 80% of trade was with the Soviet bloc.
When was the Bay of Pigs?
April 1961
How many Cuban exiles were used in the Bay of Pigs?
1500, Brigade 2506. This was led by Jose Miro Cardona
What mistakes did Kennedys administration make in the Bay of Pigs?
He changed the landing site and used B26 WWII bombers for the air strikes.
What happened during the Bay of Pigs?
April 1961 - Landing craft were wrecked on the coral reef, the air strikes were ineffective and the local population didn’t rise against Castro. The exiles were pinned down on the beach and after less than 24 hours of fighting 114 were killed and 1,100 taken prisoner.
When did Castro allow Soviet missiles to be placed in Cuba?
May 1962.
Why did Khruschev place the missiles in Cuba?
He said it was to protect Cuba, although it is believed that it was a chance to equalise military strength.
What were the options Kennedy had in the Missile crisis?
Do nothing
Exchange deal-removal of US missiles in Turkey for missiles to be removed from Cuba
Blockade Cuba
Launch air strikes against Cuba - military wanted this
Full scale invasion - military wanted this also.
Were did the information of the missiles come from?
French intelligence in September 1962
What committee did Kennedy establish on October 16th?
Excomm ( executive committee )
When did Kennedy decide on a blockade?
October 20th.
