1955-1963: Cause of the Cuban Missile Crisis Flashcards
(9 cards)
When was the Bay of Pigs Fiasco
April 1961
Why was the USA worried about Cuba
As USA wanted to prevent communism dominance and having a communist country 90 miles terrified the US
JFK needed a foreign policy win
Fear that Castro will spread Communist ideology
Why was the USSR worried about Cuba
Keen to support and protect communism worldwide with Cuba under threat by the USSR
Test and trap Kennedy
Level playing field as USA has missiles in Turkey
Create opportunity for linkage of issues
When did the Cuban Missile Crisis start
August 1962
When did Castro gain control of Cuba
January 1959
How did USA react to Castro gaining control of Cuba
Weakened their economic relations as saw the nationalisation as becoming communist. Put tariffs onto sugar imports.
Led to Castro asking for help from the USSR
What was the Bay of Pigs invasion
Kennedy approved a CIA plan to overthrow Castro by invading Cuba to then cause an uprising within Cuba for a revolution.
Impact of the Bay of Pigs invasion
A humiliating defeat and strengthened Castro’s support
Led to Cuba requesting support from USSR
How did the USA cause the Cuban Missile Crisis
14th October: U2 spy planes found missiles on Cuba as well as the fact that the missiles were within the distance to destroy all major cities.
