The USA & Events in Cuba, 1959–62 | History for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis

A map showing Cuba’s proximity to the USA

Key Points:

• The USA's dependence on Cuba's sugar and tobacco exports.
• Control of Cuba's sugar trade by US businesses.
• Ownership of Cuba's oil refineries, railways, and electricity by the US.
• Consequently, the United States made efforts to influence Cuba's political landscape.
  • In 1933, the US government backed a military takeover led by Sergeant Fulgencio Batista.
  • Batista assumed the presidency and engaged in corrupt practices:
    • He halted elections and disregarded the Cuban Constitution.
    • Under his rule, US businesses and wealthy Cubans thrived, neglecting the impoverished segments of society.
    • American mobsters were allowed to establish illicit operations in Cuba.
    • Despite Batista's corruption, the USA turned a blind eye as US businesses benefited.
  • Subsequently, the US government supplied Batista with weapons to maintain control over Cuba.

The Cuban Revolution

• Fidel Castro enlisted Che Guevara to participate in his rebellion against the Cuban government.
• Castro initiated a campaign of guerrilla warfare against the ruling regime in Cuba.
• In 1958, the global press lent support to the Cuban revolutionaries, prompting the US government to cease its financial and military backing of Batista's regime.
• On January 1, 1959, Castro and Guevara's troops overpowered Batista's forces. The insurgents successfully advanced to Havana, the capital of Cuba, leading to Batista's retreat to the Dominican Republic.
  • The rebels successfully reached Havana.
  • Batista fled to the Dominican Republic.
• Subsequently, in 1959, Castro established a new administration, which faced numerous challenges from the US government.

• Before deciding, Kennedy had to consider:
  • The American public's reaction to missiles in Cuba.
  • Minimal government response could lead to widespread panic in the USA.
  • The necessity to uphold the policy of containment.
  • The impact of his decision on upcoming election results.
  • The November elections for the US Congress.
• Kennedy knew that ineffective handling of the Cuba situation could harm the success of his political allies, the Democrats.
• He had to consider the effect of his decision on other Cold War issues.
  • Kennedy was concerned that a strong response to Cuba might provoke Khrushchev to act more aggressively regarding Berlin.
• Kennedy faced limited options for dealing with Cuba.
  • The US government had previously attempted an invasion during the Bay of Pigs incident in 1961.
  • He realized this would be unpopular in Cuba and could spark significant internal conflict.
• Bombing Cuba would portray the USA as aggressive.
  • Depending on the type of bomb used, it could result in numerous civilian casualties in Cuba.
• Given that the Cold War was also a propaganda war, Kennedy needed to choose a course of action that would not harm the USA's international reputation.

The Events of the Cuban Missile Crisis

Consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis

• The Cuban Missile Crisis had several positive and negative consequences for the USA