Cuba

• What event is referred to as the Bay of Pigs?


  The Bay of Pigs refers to the failed invasion of Cuba by US-backed Cuban exiles in April 1961.
• Why did the CIA believe the Bay of Pigs invasion would succeed?


  The CIA underestimated Castro's army and overestimated the number of Cubans who would rise up against him.
• What were the main reasons for the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion?


  The invasion failed due to poor planning, lack of air support, and underestimating Castro's forces.
• What were the consequences of the Bay of Pigs invasion for Cuba and the USA?


  • Strengthened Castro's position in Cuba
  • Embarrassment for the Kennedy administration
  • Increased tensions between the USA and Cuba
• What was the economic situation in Cuba prior to the Bay of Pigs invasion?


  The economic situation in Cuba was increasingly poor, leading to dissatisfaction among workers.
• How did the Bay of Pigs invasion affect US-Cuban relations?


  The invasion worsened US-Cuban relations and solidified Castro's power.
• What did Castro do in response to the Bay of Pigs invasion?


  Castro organized his operations to eliminate further opposition after the invasion.
• What was Khrushchev's objective in sending military supplies to Cuba in 1962?


  Khrushchev aimed to strengthen and arm Cuba in response to the Bay of Pigs invasion.
• How did the Cuban Missile Crisis develop from the events of the Bay of Pigs invasion?


  The failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion led to increased Soviet military support for Cuba, culminating in the Missile Crisis.
• What was the purpose of the committee set up by President Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis?


  The committee was established to discuss various options for responding to the missile threat in Cuba.
• What options did Kennedy's committee consider during the Cuban Missile Crisis?


  Options included invasion, bombing Cuba, air strikes, blockading Cuba, and doing nothing.
• What was the significance of the blockade announced by Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis?


  The blockade aimed to prevent Soviet ships from delivering military supplies to Cuba and was a critical step in managing the crisis.
• What was Khrushchev's argument regarding the placement of missiles in Cuba?


  Khrushchev argued that the USA had missiles in Turkey, which were closer to the Soviet Union than Soviet missiles were to the USA.
• What were the consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis for US-Soviet relations?


  • Renewed tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union
  • Improved communication through the establishment of a hotline
  • Increased awareness of the dangers of nuclear conflict
• How did the Cuban Missile Crisis impact public perception of the superpowers?


  The crisis instilled fear and highlighted the potential for misunderstanding between the USA and the Soviet Union.
• What was the outcome for Khrushchev following the Cuban Missile Crisis?


  Khrushchev was removed from power in 1964 due to the fallout from the crisis.
• What were the key events in superpower rivalry in Cuba from 1959 to 1962?


  1. Cuban Revolution (1959)
  2. Bay of Pigs invasion (1961)
  3. Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
• What guidelines are provided for answering examination questions about the Cold War?


  Students should choose key developments, focus on key points, and analyze their impacts on each other.
• What is the significance of the Cuban Missile Crisis in the context of the Cold War?


  The Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal moment that escalated tensions but also led to improved communication between superpowers.