Bay of Pigs

Bay of Pigs April 1961

Cause

• As a result of Castro ejecting (nationalising) all of US businesses  , USA refused to buy Cuban sugar
• The Soviets saw this is as an opportunity to get involved in South America
• The Soviets offered to buy Cuban products and Castro was now closer to communism.

What Happened

• Cuban exiles (supporters of Batista) living in USA were trained to invade Cuba and remove Castro
• They were trained by the CIA, which costed $45 million. In mid April 1961 La Brigada 2506 (1500 of them) landed in Cuba to overthrow Castro. 
• The invasion failed, as Castro was very popular amongst the Cubans and he was aware of the invasion. 
• All of La Brigada’s equipment was destroyed, and they were no match for the Cuban forces.

Consequence 

• Castro’s position was strengthened in Cuba and now was much closer to USSR.   
• There was much humiliation for Kennedy and USA.
• Communism had spread much closer to the USA