Bay of Pigs

By: Blake Martin

Questions
What was the purpose for the Bay
of pigs invasion in Cuba?
Was the US successful?

Introduction
Throughout American history, America has often become internationalist
involving foreign affairs. During the Age of Imperialism, America constructed
and controlled the Panama Canal to strengthen the United States naval
abilities by providing an easier route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
This enabled the country to be better protected militarily. This use of
internationalism for protection was seen in Cuba during the Cold War. In 1961,
America invaded Cuba at the Bay of Pigs in an attempt to overthrow Castro,
but the efforts of Kennedy and the CIA in this invasion were unsuccessful.

Castros Rise to Power

In 1959, Castro came took control of Cuba
He overthrew Fulgencio Batista in Havana
This angered America
The United States had a large influence over the Cuban economy
Under Batista, Cuba-United States relations were mutually beneficial in
economy and military

America was also worried by Castros relationship with

Plans for the Invasion

Military Plans
Cuban exiles would fight
in the invasion
The United States
funded and coordinated
the invasion
B-26 Bombers
Paratroopers

Plans for Cubas Future

Cuba would be ruled by the

Cuban Revolutionary Council,
which was a committee of
exiles opposing Castro
Jos Mir Cardona would be
provisional president of Cuba
with American military support

Invasion
April 15, 1961: bombings to weaken Cuban air forceunsuccessful
April 17: 1400 Cuban exiles landed but weather harmed
advancement
The attack was supposed to be secret, but Castro and his
supporters had been informed of the coming attacks
Castro met the brigade with 20000 troops and ended the

Results of the Invasion

Over 1000 prisoners were taken by Castro after ending the
invasion
Released after efforts by Tractors for Freedom Committee and negotiations by James Donovan

Operation Mongoose
Cuban Missile Crisis

DBQ

To what extent did the efforts

of the United States in Cuba
fail during the early 1960s?

Questions
What lead to the weakening of the relationship between the
United States and Cuba during the 1950s and 1960s?
Did the invasion aid Cuba-United States relations?
Why is the Bay of Pigs invasion important?

Bibliography
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"Bay of Pigs Invasion." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 01 Jan. 2009. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.
Brinkley, Alan. American History: A Survey. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1991. Print.
Hylton, Raymond Pierre. "The Brilliant Disaster: JFK, Castro, and Americas Doomed Invasion of Cubas Bay of Pigs." Magills
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