Cold War Bay of Pigs

Front

What happened in Cuba in 1959?

Back

The corrupt leader of Cuba, Batista was overthrown.

Front

Why had the US been an ally of Cuba?

Back

It was close to America. Americans owned most of the businesses on the island. The Americans had naval bases in Cuba. The Americans had provided the Cuban leader with economic and military support.

Front

Who overthrew the Cuban leader Batista?

Back

Fidel Castro

Front

Why was Castro so successful in taking over Cuba?

Back

He quickly killed, arrested or exiled many political opponents. He was also a clever propagandist, who had a vision that won over the Cuban people.

Front

What was Castro's vision for Cuba?

Back

To make it a Socialist country.

Front

Why did relations between Cuba and the US breakdown after Castro took over?

Back

-There were thousands of Cuban exiles in the USA who had fled from Castro's rule. They formed powerful pressure groups demanding action against Castro.
-Castro took over some American-owned businesses in Cuba (mainly farms) and gave the land to his supporters.

Front

Give two ways in which it was clear that there was American hostility to Castro's regime in Cuba.

Back

-The CIA were looking into ways of overthrowing Castro. -The American media broadcasted a stream of criticism of Castro and his regime.

Front

Why did Castro approach the USSR?

Back

He was worried that the USA would invade Cuba.

Front

What did Khrushchev and Castro agree to in the Autumn of 1960?

Back

$100 million package of Soviet aid to Cuba.

Front

The aid that Khrushchev gave to Cuba involved him buying most of the production of what crop?

Back

Sugar