The Cuban Revolution and the Cuban Missile Crisis

Flashcards covering the Cuban Revolution, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the election of 1960.

Cuba in the 1900s

Gained its independence from Spain in 1898. In the 1900s, its wealth was controlled by American companies, mainly in sugar and tourism.

Fulgencio Batista

Leader of Cuba, initially elected as president but later became a dictator. His rule led to social and economic unrest due to wealth disparity.

Fidel Castro

Led revolutionaries against Batista's government starting in 1955, eventually driving Batista out of Havana in 1959.

Castro's Dictatorship

Despite initial US support, Castro seized absolute power and became a dictator, leading to executions and imprisonment of enemies.

October 14, 1962

US reconnaissance identified nuclear missile sites being installed in Cuba.

October 16, 1962

President Kennedy was notified of the presence of missiles in Cuba.

October 22, 1962

Kennedy announced a naval blockade and quarantine of Cuba.

October 24, 1962

The naval quarantine began, successfully changing the course of many Soviet ships.

October 25, 1962

Adlai Stevenson presented photographic evidence of missile sites to the Soviet ambassador at the UN.

October 26, 1962

The Soviets proposed a deal: if the US promised not to invade Cuba, they would withdraw missiles.

October 27, 1962

The Soviets demanded the US withdraw missiles from Turkey in addition to the non-invasion promise.

October 28, 1962

USSR agreed to withdraw missiles from Cuba.

John F. Kennedy (JFK)

Won the election of 1960; Appeared collected in debates, gaining an advantage over Nixon.

Richard Nixon

Lost the election of 1960 due to poor appearance in televised debates, despite more experience and anti-communism stance.

Kennedy and Civil Rights

Expressed sympathy to Coretta Scott King after Martin Luther King Jr.'s arrest, and Bobby Kennedy helped secure his release, appealing to the African-American community.

Containment

US policy aimed at preventing the spread of communism.