Cuban Missile Crisis (including Bay Of Pigs) 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?
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 nationalised American industries in Cuba.
How did the USA react to USSR and Cuba getting closer?
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 the US cutting off relations with Cuba in 1961 have?
This pushed Castro closer to the USSR.
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.
Why was it such a disaster?
The exiles hoped to establish a base for guerrilla activities against Castro and were confident that the Cuban people would support them. 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.
What were the consequences of this invasion?
The invasion convinced Castro that he needed more Soviet support to defend himself against possible US attacks.
What were the effects of the invasion on relations between the USA and USSR?
Stronger relations were established between Cuba and the USSR which made Kennedy feel threatened.
What did Khrushchev announce in September 1961?
Khrushchev publicly announced that he would provide arms to Cuba.
What was the state of Castro’s army by 1962?
By 1962 Castro had a very well equipped army containing the latest tanks, missiles and ‘technicians’ (who were Soviet military).
What did Castro declare after the invasion?
Castro now declared himself to be a communist.
What was the impact of the invasion on Kennedy?
Kennedy was humiliated as the invasion had failed.
How did the USA appear after the invasion?
The USA looked hypocritical as they were supporting an invasion of an independent country.
What advantage did the USSR gain from the invasion?
The USSR had the upper hand - they pointed out that Cubans wanted a pro-communist regime, showing the popularity of communism.
Why did Khrushchev place missiles on Cuba?
Khrushchev could use missiles on Cuba as a bargaining tool against NATO missiles in Turkey.
What did a U2 spy plane discover on October 14 1962?
It took pictures of what appeared to be missile sites being built, some near to completion.
What other worrying news was received by the Americans?
There was a fleet of Soviet ships sailing to Cuba, presumably carrying more missiles.
What did JFK decide to do on October 22 1962?
He decided to place a naval blockade around Cuba and prepare troops for a possible invasion.
How did Khrushchev respond to the naval blockade?
He replied that there were no Soviet missiles on Cuba and that the USSR would ignore the blockade.
What happened when Soviet ships reached the naval blockade on October 24 1962?
They turned back and did not attempt to break the blockade; ‘Khrushchev just blinked!’
What offer was made by Khrushchev in the letter sent on October 26?
The USSR would remove their nuclear weapons if the USA lifted the blockade and promised not to invade Cuba.
What offer was made by Khrushchev in the letter sent on October 27?
The USSR would remove their nuclear weapons if the USA removed theirs from Turkey.
How did JFK react to the telegrams?
JFK responded only to the first letter, agreeing to its terms but warning of an attack if missiles were not removed.
What did the USA gain from this crisis?
Nuclear missiles were removed from Cuba.
What did the USSR gain from this crisis?
The missiles in Turkey were removed secretly 6 months later.
What did JFK gain from this crisis?
JFK was no longer seen as weak and inexperienced; his decision to impose a naval blockade was justified.
What did the USSR gain from this crisis (from Cuba)?
Cuba remained a Communist country only 90 miles from the USA, continuing to look to the USSR for protection.
What was the impact on NATO allies?
The removal of missiles in Turkey angered some NATO allies.
What was the public perception of the USSR after the crisis?
The USSR was publicly seen to have backed down, angering many Soviet politicians.
What happened to Khrushchev after the crisis?
Khrushchev was removed from office in 1964 as the military felt they had been forced into a corner.
What did the world gain from the crisis?
A direct hot line phone link was set up between Washington and Moscow.
A Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was established in 1963.
What did Cuba gain from the crisis?
Cuba’s independence had been secured - free from US interference.
However, Castro felt like a pawn in a very high stakes game which could have seen the destruction of this island.
