Cuban Missile Crisis

• Cuban Revolution:

  • Cuba first controlled by oppressive Barista who was backed by USA
  • Communist army, led by Fidel Castro, overthrew government in 1959
• Areas of tension after Revolution:

  • American businessmen owned a lot of land in Cuba - Cuban government took over all land owned by foreign nationals
  • American government reluctant to see new Cuban government - were like past government
  • USSR and Cuba got closer, Castro made agreement with USSR - USSR to buy Cuban sugar, provide economic aid, secret clause for USSR to give Cuba arms
• July 1960: USA reduce amount of sugar bought from Cuba

  Oct 1960: USA break off trade with Cuba

  Jan 1961: USA break off diplomatic relations with Cuba

  April 1961: Bay of Pigs
• Bay of Pigs:

  • USA did not want Communist ally on territory
  • 1400 Cuban exiles sent to Cuba to topple Castro government in 1961

  Was failure:

  • Volunteers had little military experience
  • USA could not send support
  • Cuba found out about invasion - 20,000 soldiers
• Impact of Bay of Pigs on international relations:

  • Stronger relations between USSR and Cuba
  • People of Cuba happy with Castro government - showed popularity of communism
• Cuban Missile Crisis:

  • American spy planes took pictures of USSR setting up militarily in Cuba

  USSR wanted missiles on Cuba because:

  • NATO had missiles in Turkey - close to USSR, USSR wanted missiles on Turkey removed
  • Building of Berlin Wall was failure for Krushchev - wanted to restore prestige
  • Krushchev feared American attack - overthrow of Cuabn government was defeat for communism
• Consequences:

  USA and USSR to mend relations by:

  • "hotline" between Moscow and Washington in 1963
  • 1963 Test Ban Treaty signed by USA, UK, USSR to stop testing nuclear weapons in space, water, atmosphere
  • 1967 Space Treaty signed to stop space being used for military use
• Summary:

  • Overthrow of pro-American government in Cuba
  • Bay of Pigs
  • USA and Cuba have talks
  • USSR set up missiles in Cuba
  • Thirteen days Standoff
• naval blockade:

  • blockade was response to USSR missiles being set up in Cuba

  1. USA make naval blockade to stop missiles reaching Cuba
  2. USSR say they will force way through, but end up retreating
  3. USSR will remove missile sites if USA does not invade Cuba and lifts blockade
  4. USSR says will remove missile sites if USA removes missiles in Turkey, USA will consider
  5. USSR announces removal of missiles publicly on Moscow radio