WHY DID CUBA BECOME THE FOCAL POINT OF THE COLD WAR BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE SOVIET UNION IN THE 1960s? Use Source 1A - NSC History - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1

The two countries where the CIA trained Cuban exiles were Guatemala and Nicaragua.

President Kennedy likely allowed the CIA to proceed with the invasion due to the inherited pressure from the Eisenhower administration and the desire to contain communism. He wanted to demonstrate US commitment to protecting its interests in the region and thought that a successful invasion could curb the spread of communism in Latin America.

American imperialism refers to the United States' political and economic dominance over Latin America and its attempts to influence other nations' policies. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, this concept manifested in the US's aggressive stance against perceived threats in Cuba, emphasizing its resolve to maintain power in the Western Hemisphere in the face of Soviet influence.

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 aimed to eliminate the danger of war through diplomatic negotiations with the United States, advocating for peaceful coexistence. He sought to de-escalate tensions by proposing dialogues that would respect Cuba's sovereignty and avoid military confrontations, thus minimizing the likelihood of conflict.

A historian would find this source useful as it provides firsthand insight into the motivations behind Soviet support for Cuba. It highlights the Soviet perspective on American aggression and the importance they placed on supporting a communist ally in the Western Hemisphere, showcasing the geopolitical stakes involved.

Source 1A reflects a view of hostility where the United States actively sought to undermine and remove Castro from power, portraying Cuba as a target of US aggression. In contrast, Source 1B emphasizes an effort by the Soviets to preserve Cuban sovereignty and solidarity, highlighting a diplomatic relationship focused on cooperation rather than aggression.

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 the construction of missile sites through aerial reconnaissance missions conducted by spy planes, which revealed the installation of missile facilities. Intelligence reports and information gathered from Cuban exiles further corroborated these findings, prompting urgent concern within the US government.

President Kennedy and his advisors were 'horrified/shocked' at the discovery of the missile sites, indicating their alarm at the immediate threat posed by the Soviet missiles located so close to US territory.

The USA imposed a naval blockade to prevent the arrival of missiles into Cuba, aiming to demonstrate its strength and resolve to the world while also stepping up its stance against Soviet aggression. The blockade was seen as a critical measure to avert a military confrontation and to protect US interests.

The presence of US military bases in the region had a profound impact on Cuba’s sovereignty, causing fear and resentment among its leadership. It amplified concerns about American imperialism and created a sense of vulnerability, which drove Cuba to seek stronger ties with the Soviet Union for protection against perceived threats.

Cuba became the focal point of the Cold War due to its strategic location and the establishment of a communist regime under Fidel Castro, which directly challenged US influence in Latin America. The US's fear of communism led to attempts to overthrow Castro, notably through the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. In response, Cuba strengthened its ties with the Soviet Union, which resulted in the Cuban Missile Crisis. This event exemplified the intense rivalry and confrontations between the superpowers.