The Cuban Missile Crisis: Origins

• Before 1959, Cuba was very close to the USA. For example in Cuba there were many USA owned businesses
• Socialist revolution

  Change in society into socialism which overthrows capitalism
• As the USA refused to deal with Cuba's new socialist government, Cuba began to build economic links with the Soviet Union, and the relationship between Cuba and USA decreased
• USA refused to recognize Cuba's new government as they did not want a socialist country in their sphere of influence. The CIA ( spy agency for USA ) tried to assassinate Castro but failed
• The CIA convinced Kennedy that a US supported invasion of Cuba to overthrow Castro would solve the socialist problem
• The CIA told Kennedy that in the Bay of Pigs incident:


  • Invasion of Cuba could look like a Cuban Revolt, having trained Cuban spies and disguised american aircraft as Cuban
  • Castros control of Cuba was weak
  • Most Cubans hate Castro
• What actually happened in the bay of pigs incident

  • US planes were recognized photographed and published, so world knew USA backed the invasion
  • Castro knew in advance of the invasion and 1400 US troops met 20000 of Castros troops. US troops surrendered
• Most Cubans preferred Castro over their previous leader, Batista, who was corrupt
• The Bay of Pigs attack led to no chances of a good USA and Cuba relationship.
• After the attack, Castro announced that he was a communist and they built stronger ties with the soviet union, such as military defence for Cuba