The Bay of Pigs Invasion

Background

• Cuban Revolution: Overthrew the government, bringing Fidel Castro to power.
• Seizure of Assets: Castro nationalized foreign-owned assets, primarily American, which upset the US.
• USSR Relations: Cuba aligned with the USSR, conflicting with US interests.

US Response

• Eisenhower's Directive: Directed the CIA to plan for the overthrow of Castro.
• Presidential Transition: Eisenhower's term ended; John F. Kennedy took over in 1960, continuing the anti-communist agenda.

Plans for Overthrow

1. Plan One: US-backed invasion from Nicaragua to seize Trinidad (Cuban city), establish a new government.
2. Plan Two: Exiles land at the Bay of Pigs with minimal US support, initiate guerrilla warfare.

Execution and Failure

• Kennedy's Choice: Opted for Plan Two for plausible deniability.
• Invasion: Exiles landed in Cuba; within three days, they were defeated.

Reasons for Failure

• Lack of Support: Insufficient American air support; exiles were outmatched by Cuban military.
• Kennedy's Dilemma: Risk of escalating tensions with the USSR versus appearing weak on communism.
• CIA Assumptions: Believed Cuban people would rise against Castro; this did not happen.
• Castro's Popularity: Increased post-invasion; Cuban people viewed the invasion negatively.

Aftermath

• Outcome: Exiles killed or captured.
• US Reflection: Acknowledged that greater US involvement might have changed the military outcome but not public support.

Acknowledgment

• Special thanks to patrons who supported the presentation.