Cuban Revolution and Fidel Castro

The Cuban Revolution

• Fidel Castro led the popular revolution that overthrew Fulgencio Batista in Cuba in January 1959.

US Response to Castro's Nationalization

• In response to Castro's nationalization of the Cuban economy, Eisenhower authorized the CIA to plan a covert operation to overthrow Castro.

Events Leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis

• The failed Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961 led Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev to secretly build 42 missile sites in Cuba.

US Response to the Missile Sites

• In response to discovering the missile sites in Cuba, President John F. Kennedy imposed a naval quarantine on the island and threatened war unless the Soviet Union dismantled the sites.

Castro's Concerns in the Cold War

• Fidel Castro's main concern regarding Cuba's involvement in the Cold War was the threat of a US invasion and the need for Soviet support to maintain Cuba's independence.

Consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis

• After the Cuban Missile Crisis, Castro's complete dependence on Soviet support was ensured due to the significant economic and military aid provided by the Soviet Union.

Impact of the Soviet Union's Breakup

• The impact of the breakup of the Soviet Union on Cuba was severe economic crisis, as Soviet subsidies and trade agreements were terminated.

Castro's Response to the Loss of Soviet Support

• In response to the loss of Soviet support in 1991, Castro implemented a series of austerity measures, known as the "Special Period," to reduce Cuba's reliance on imported oil and food.

Test your knowledge of the Cuban Revolution and the leadership of Fidel Castro. Learn about the overthrow of Fulgencio Batista, the rise of Fidel Castro, and the impact of his rule on Cuba.