The Bay of Pigs

Who agreed to the plan to overthrow Castro that Kennedy inherited?

Eisenhower.

What was the plan for the Cuban exiles in the Bay of Pigs invasion?

The Cuban exiles were trained to invade Cuba, start an anti-Castro revolution, and replace Castro with a pro-US government.

When did the Cuban exiles land at the Bay of Pigs?

17 April 1961.

How many Cuban exiles landed at the Bay of Pigs?

Around 1,400

What was the response of Castro’s government when they learned about the invasion?

Castro’s government had around 20,000 soldiers waiting for the exiles.

Why couldn't the USA send military aid to the Cuban exiles?

The USA was unable to provide direct military support.

How did ordinary Cubans respond to the Bay of Pigs invasion?

They did not rush to help the exiles

What did Castro do after the invasion?

He showed evidence of the Cuban victory to the world’s media.

What was the outcome of the Bay of Pigs invasion?

The invasion failed.

What was one major consequence of the Bay of Pigs failure for the USA?

It was a public humiliation for the USA.

How did the Bay of Pigs invasion affect Kennedy?

It was very embarrassing for Kennedy, who had just become President.

What did the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion lead Khrushchev to do at the Vienna Summit?

Khrushchev felt he could re-issue the Berlin Ultimatum.

How did the failure of the invasion affect Khrushchev’s view of communism?

It allowed Khrushchev to argue that communism was popular, as the Cuban people did not rise against Castro

What declaration did Cuba make after the invasion?

Cuba declared itself to be a communist country.

How did the Bay of Pigs failure affect Cuba's relationship with the USSR?

It led to stronger relations between the USSR and Cuba, and in September 1961, Khrushchev announced he would send arms to Cuba.