Cuban Missile Crisis Flashcards
Who ruled Cuba before Castro?
Batista, an army officer, who had 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 Batista in the 1959 Revolution?
What reforms were introduced after Castro overthrew Batista 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 agreement with the USSR in which Cuban sugar would be swapped for machinery, oil and economic aid (and conventional weapons such as machine guns) .Castro nationalized American industries in Cuba.
How did the USA react?
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 reactions have?
This pushed Castro closer to the USSR – they now planned something far more drastic, the Bay of Pigs Invasion
What was the Bay of Pigs Invasion?
This was to be led by Cuban exiles, living in Florida; the plan was supported by JFK. Weapons, training and transport were 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 it such a disaster?
Why was it such a disaster? This force of 1400 exiles landed in Cuba but found themselves facing over 20,000 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?
What were the consequences of this invasion? • The invasion convinced Castro that he needed more Soviet support to defend himself against possible US attacks
• In September 1961 Khrushchev publicly announced that he would provide arms to Cuba
• By 1962 Castro had a very well equipped army containing the latest tanks, missiles and ‘technicians’ (who were Soviet military personnel)
• Castro now declared himself to be a communist.
What were the effects of the invasion on relations between the USA and USSR?
- Kennedy was humiliated as the invasion had failed.
* The USA looked hypocritical as they were supporting an invasion of an independent
Why did Khrushchev place missiles on Cuba?
• NATO had missiles on Turkey. Khrushchev could use missiles on Cuba as a bargaining tool.
What did a U2 spy plane discover on October 14 1962?
What did a U2 spy plane discover on October 14 1962? It took pictures of what appeared to be missile sites being built – some were very near to completion!
What other worrying news was received by the Americans?
What other worrying news was received by the Americans? There was a fleet of Soviet ships sailing to Cuba, presumably carrying more missiles for the new sites
What did JFK decide to do on October 22 1962?
He decided to place a naval blockade around Cuba, whilst also preparing troops for a possible invasion of Cuba; furthermore he called on the USSR to remove their missiles from Cuba
