Summary: The Cuban Revolution

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Fidel Castro seized power in Cuba with a revolution in January 1959. The United States was becoming increasingly critical of Fidel Castro's government. CIA Director Allen Dulles warned, “Cuba was drifting towards Communism.” Castro had close ties to the Soviet Union who provided Cuba with air and military assistance. The U.S. planned to overthrow Castro's administration, a task taken on by the CIA. The U.S. also hoped that the invasion would stimulate an uprising against the Castro regime allowing for the creation of a pro-U.S. democratic government in Cuba of which the U.S. had already selected José Miró Cardona to lead the invasion and take over as president of Cuba if the invasion succeeded. The CIA presented a plan to overthrow Castro …show more content…
January 28th 1961 Kennedy authorized the continuation of the invasion. Kennedy’s committee approved the invasion on February 7th 1960. The plan’s success was contingent on 3,500 Cubans expected to join the force to overthrow Castro, they would assist the 1,500 men they started off with. The CIA later saw that Castro had more support in Cuba than originally anticipated and that the plan should be adjusted accordingly. Kennedy’s committee ignored th¬is. On March 11th Kennedy had a formal approval meeting. At the meeting Rusk advised Kennedy to disapprove the plan in fear that U.S. involvement would be apparent, the President agreed. The CIA found another option for a landing site, the Bay of Pigs. The Joint Chiefs of Staff estimated this new site had less than a 50% chance of success. On April 4th the CIA presented a more finalized plan. At the meeting Kennedy impatiently asked for votes and rejected further discussions. The plan was …show more content…
After the first strike Dean Rusk suggested to the President that he cancel the second strike because the second strike they weren’t fully prepared, Kennedy listened. The CIA public cover story exposed many of their lies embarrassing the United States. April 16th Kennedy approved the invasion. The attack fell apart quickly, Castro destroyed all but one trip, and the trained brigade ran out of ammunition prior to the completion of the attack. The brigade requested aid from U.S. jets, Kennedy decline in order to maintain his appearance of resisting military involvement. Kennedy ordered the CIA to get the brigade out of Cuba, but escape options were never planned or discussed. By April 19th the brigade began to surrender. Of The 1300 men sent to attack Cuba 1200 were captured and the other 100 were killed. Admiral Arleigh Burke urged Kennedy to assist using military effort; Kennedy wanted to keep up his appearances so he refused. Chief of CIA Operations, Richard Bissell, was displeased with the President that he would not intervene when he had U.S. armed forces at his

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