How did the USA react to the Cuban Revolution? Flashcards
Who was in power in Cuba before Castro?
General Batista
Why did the USA support Batista?
He was fiercely anti-communist
Before Castro took power, what was the relationship like between the USA and Cuba?
They were allies
How far was Cuba from the coast of Florida?
90 miles
In what year did Fidel Castro overthrow Batista?
1959
How did the USA initially respond to the Cuban revolution?
Taken by surprise, they initially recognised the Castro regime
What were the two main reasons why relations grew worse between Cuba and the USA shortly after the revolution?
- There were thousands of Cuban exiles in the USA who formed powerful pressure groups demanding action against Castro
- Castro took over some American owned businesses in Cuba, particularly agriculture. He took their land and gave it to his peasant population
What did Eisenhower authorise the CIA to do as early as 1960?
Explore ways to overthrow Castro
How did the USA try to disrupt the Cuban economy?
- Damage sugar plantations
- American companies refused to co-operate with Cuban businesses which imported materials from the USSR
How did Castro respond to American hostility?
- He reassured Americans they could stay and live in Cuba
- He allowed the USA to keep its naval base
When did Cuba ally with the USSR?
The summer of 1960
What did Khrushchev give to Cuba?
- $100 million in economic aid
- arms (e.g. weapons)
When did JFK become president?
January 1961
When was the Bay of Pigs?
April 1961
How many troops did JFK supply for the Bay of Pigs invasion?
1,400
