How Did Kennedy's Decision To Invade The Bay Of Pigs

After the Cuban revolution ended in 1959 a new government was established under Fidel Castro. He cut the countries once strong ties with the U.S., reducing American influence on the island. Castro then established diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union. Given Cuba’s close proximity to the U.S. and their close ties with the Soviets, President Eisenhower directed the CIA to develop a plan to invade Cuba and overthrow Castro. After President John F. Kennedy came into office in 1960, he learned of the plan and decided the threat was real. On April 17, 1961 the CIA and Kennedy launched an invasion they believed would be the final strike, pushing Castro from power. Brigade 2506, consisting of 1400 Cuban exiles, launched from Guatemala and landed at the Bay of Pigs. They immediately came under
The Bay of Pigs invasion failed. It strengthened Castro’s administration; their intent to adopt socialism and their relationship with the Soviets. The surviving members of the brigade were captured and imprisoned. The decision to invade was in error. The CIA was overconfident and their “assumptions went unquestioned” (Micah Zenko, 2015). Details of the plan went unquestioned by both Kennedy and his advisors, leaving Kennedy ill-equipped to make the decision to invade.
Some of the State Department and advisors to Kennedy did not believe Castro was a threat to America. However, the President believed engineering the removal of the Cuban leader would prove he was serious about winning the Cold War. He felt Cuba, if it remained under the power of Castro, would help the Soviet Union attack the United States. Because of Cuba’s close proximity it seemed the threat was plausible. The CIA, who was manning the mission, continued to ease the nerves and doubts of the President and his advisors. They ensured the plan would be carried out and that U.S. involvement would remain secret. (JFK Library,