Write an account of how events in Cuba affected Cold War tensions. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2020 - Paper 1

In 1959, Fidel Castro's revolution successfully overthrew the U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista. This change brought a communist government to power right on the U.S. doorstep, causing alarm within the United States. The installation of a communist regime in Cuba created fears of a potential domino effect in Latin America, leading to increased American interventionist policies.

In response to the perceived threat, the U.S. implemented measures such as the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, which aimed to overthrow Castro but resulted in embarrassment for the U.S. government. This failure increased tensions and bolstered support for Castro and his regime.

The most critical point in U.S.-Cuban relations occurred in October 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. U.S. intelligence discovered Soviet missile installations in Cuba, which led to a 13-day confrontation between the two superpowers. The U.S. enforced a naval blockade and demanded the removal of the missiles, raising fears of nuclear war.

The crisis ended with a negotiated settlement, including the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba in exchange for U.S. assurances not to invade Cuba and the withdrawal of U.S. missiles from Turkey. This event not only heightened tensions during the Cold War but also led to a reevaluation of nuclear policies and the establishment of direct communication between the U.S. and Soviet leaders to prevent future crises.

In summary, events in Cuba significantly intensified Cold War tensions through political upheaval and military confrontation. The effects were long-lasting, influencing U.S. foreign policy and the strategic calculations of both superpowers.