The Cuban Revolution + Bay Of Pigs Invasion Flashcards
What was the Cuban Revolution?
A violent uprising in 1959 led by Fidel Castro and his army, who overthrew the government and became leader of Cuba.
What happened to American influence in Cuba?
American businesses and trade were very influential in Cuba. However Castro did not want them there, so he took over all Cuban land and installed new communist governments. The USA gradually withdrew and stopped trading Cuban sugar.
Why did the Americans begin to plan to overthrow Castro?
The USA were very concerned about having a pro Communist / pro Soviet government so close to them, only 27 miles away.
What was the USA’s plan?
They planned to Invade Cuba in an invasion called Operation Mongoose. Cubans who had been exiled by Castro would invade and reclaim the government.
They were trained by CIA agents, and would be supported by America during the invasion.
Was the US invasion of the Cuban Bay of Pigs successful?
No, the invasion failed.
Why was the invasion weak?
Cuba knew about the invasion, so when the 1,400 exiles arrived they were met with a Cuban army of 20,000 soldiers.
Why did the invasion ultimately fail?
The USA were counting on Cubans to turn against Castro and support the exiles, but people liked Castro.
What happened as soon as the USA’s invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs had failed?
Castro declared himself a communist and Cuba became an ally to the USSR. This led to trade relations also being established between the two countries.
What did Castro agree to the USSR putting in Cuba?
Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles
