The Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis

Increased tension over Cuba:

The USA had strong economic interests in Cuba and controlled most of Cuba's industry, railways and electricity production. In 1959, Fidel Castro led a revolution against the dictator of Cuba, General Batisa, who'd been under influence of the USA. Castro wanted greater independence from the USA and took all American property in Cuba. In response, the USA banned import of Cuban sugar, which threatened the Cuban economy. Castro removed US influence from Cuba and moved clower to the Soviet Union, who offered to buy Cuban sugar and to provide machinery and technological help.

The Bay of Pigs incident:

In 1961, the USA attempted to overthrow Castro, however they failed. The CIA were convined that the Cuban people would revolt against Castro, however they underestimated his popularity and there was no uprising. Due to the attempt failing, Castro grew closer to the Soviet leader, Krushchev. In May 1962, they agreed to station Soviet-nuclear weapons on Cuba. On 14 October, an America U-2 spy plane took photos of the missile sites being built.

Events of the crisis:

• 16 October…