Study Guide
VIDEO:
1. What were the conditions that existed in Cuba before the revolution?
2. Why do you think Castro was successful in his revolution?
3. Once Cuba established a communist government, why was it important for the U.S. to do something?
4. Which presidential administration began plans to disrupt the Cuban regime? Which government agency was responsible?
5. What was the invasion plan?
6. Why did Kennedy agree to the plan even though it was evidently flawed?
7. Why was this plan not much of a secret anymore?
Web site: http://www.historyofcuba.com/history/bayofpigs/pigslong.htm
8. Why did Kennedy call off the air support to the mission?
9. What was the feeling of the Cuban exiles after the promised air-support failed to come, which led to their defeat, capture and humiliation?
10. Did the U.S. clearly underestimate the resolve of Castro and the Cubans?
11. What prior U.S. covert operation may have made the government think this way?
Web site: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,106537,00.html
12. After the humiliating defeat of the mission, what did Kennedy learn about this debacle?
Essays
Essay #1: To assess your knowledge of the issue, you will personally write an essay on the particular stance you were given and write it from that point of view. You may consult the Websites as well to research the topic even further.
Essay #2: You will then write a short essay on what you yourself think about the situation. Would you have done something totally different, similar, or nothing at all? You must defend your decision.