1.1 Use Source 1A - NSC History - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1

The two countries where the CIA trained Cuban exiles were Guatemala and Nicaragua. These locations provided suitable environments for training without direct US visibility.

President Kennedy likely allowed the CIA to continue with the invasion to demonstrate resolve against communism and to avoid appearing weak in the eyes of both the US public and international community. Additionally, he may have inherited the strategy from Eisenhower and felt it necessary to see it through.

American imperialism during the Cuban Missile Crisis reflects the US's pursuit to exert influence and control over Latin America. This was evident through military interventions and the establishment of policies aimed at preventing the spread of communism, which Cuba represented under Castro.

1. 'Armed bands invading this country were trained, equipped and armed in the United States of America.'
2. 'The planes which are bombing Cuban cities belong to the United States of America.'
3. 'The bombs they are dropping are being supplied by the American government.'

Khrushchev wanted to negotiate with the USA to alleviate tensions. By establishing a cooperative framework, he aimed to avoid military confrontations while ensuring respect for Cuba's sovereignty, thereby reducing the chances of an aggressive US action that could lead to war.

The source provides firsthand accounts highlighting the Soviet perspective on US aggression towards Cuba. It offers insights into Khrushchev's strategies and motivations, making it valuable for understanding Soviet-Cuban relations within the Cold War context.

Source 1A illustrates the US's hostility towards Cuba, depicting efforts to undermine Castro's regime. In contrast, Source 1B shows the Soviet Union's support for Cuba, highlighting a commitment to protecting Cuban sovereignty against US interventions.

1. 'The United States still wanted to invade Cuba in order to get rid of him.'
2. 'Change the government.'
3. 'Destroy Cuba's Communist revolution.'

The United States discovered missile site construction through aerial reconnaissance flights that provided photographic evidence. Additionally, intelligence gathered from Cuban refugees and reports from reports supported these findings.

They reacted with shock and concern, expressing that they were 'horrified' and 'angry' at the revelation of the missile sites.

The USA imposed a naval blockade to prevent the arrival of missiles into Cuba, demonstrating its strength and resolve against Soviet aggression. This action was aimed at protecting US national security and preventing further military escalation.

The presence of US military bases in the region heightened Cuba's vulnerability, fostering feelings of coercion and fear regarding US intentions. It severely limited Cuba's sovereignty and contributed to the strained US-Cuban relations.

Cuba emerged as the focal point of the Cold War due to its proximity to the United States and its alignment with the Soviet Union. The Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel Castro, transformed the island into a communist state, provoking fears in Washington of a communist threat just 90 miles from its shores. The Bay of Pigs invasion and the subsequent Cuban Missile Crisis intensified this rivalry, turning Cuba into a battleground for the two superpowers vying for influence in the region.