A failed military invasion of Cuba undertaken by a CIA-sponsored paramilitary group in April 1961. This operation aimed to overthrow the communist government of Fidel Castro. The force, composed primarily of Cuban exiles, landed at a location on the southern coast of Cuba. The invasion was a complete disaster, with the invaders quickly overwhelmed by Cuban armed forces.
This event is significant in the context of Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) because it exemplifies Cold War tensions and the US policy of containment. It represents a critical turning point in US-Cuba relations, leading to increased hostility and setting the stage for the Cuban Missile Crisis. Furthermore, it highlights the limitations and consequences of covert operations during this period and damaged the reputation of the Kennedy administration early in its tenure.
