The rise of a dictator
In 1959, Fidel Castro seized power in Cuba, establishing a communist government. Consequently, Cuba became allies with the Soviet Union, forming a dangerous partnership.
The United States government distrusted Castro due to his close connection with the Soviet Union. Thus, the United States planned to depose Castro and institute a non-communist government in Cuba.
the invasion
Kennedy authorized an invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs using a group of 1400 Cuban exiles trained by the CIA, officially called Brigade 2506.
"My wife once asked me, ‘How is it possible you are not thinking of your child?’ I told her, ‘It is precisely because of that child and the two others I have here that I am going. I plan to return to my fatherland, and I don’t want a Communist homeland.’" |
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The Cony was part of a squadron of eight destroyers intended to provide gunfire support during the invasion. However, Kennedy did not allow the destroyers to fire at the Cuban forces, ultimately resulting in the failure of the invasion.
a disastrous attempt
Due to Kennedy's lack of taking a stand, the Bay of Pigs invasion was a disaster for the United States - brigade members who were not captured were killed.
Former President John F. Kennedy addresses the nation regarding the Bay of Pigs invasion on April 17, 1961
C-SPAN |
There were 50 or so of us, presumably the most experienced and smartest people we could get, to plan such an operation. Most of us thought it would work. But five minutes after it began to fall in, we all looked at each other and asked, 'How could we have been so stupid?' |
Varying opinions regarding the failed Bay of Pigs invasion were heard worldwide.
Reactions to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in Western Europe
Written by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Special Assistant to Former President Kennedy
Memorandum for the President, May 3, 1961
Written by Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., Special Assistant to Former President Kennedy
Memorandum for the President, May 3, 1961
Khrushchev regarded Kennedy's lack of taking a stand as the perfect opportunity to take advantage of America's weakness and continue to advance communism.