Bay of Pigs

• In 1961, the new US President, J.F. Kennedy supported an invasion of Cuba by anti-Castro supporters. The American government were hopeful that this invasion would lead to an uprising against Castro.
  
• The Bay of Pigs invasion consisted of fewer than 1,500 Cuban exiles, supported by the CIA. This invasion was a complete disaster and the invaders never got further than the beach.
• The whole episode was an embarrassment for Kennedy. It was impossible to hide the fact that the US government was involved and was forced to pay $53 million in food and medical supplies to have the captured invaders returned to the United States.
  
• From Castro's view point this invasion was evidence that the USA was working actively to overthrow his government.