America’s Failure at the Bay of Pigs

Cuba was a US-control guide isand since 1898 when it won Cuba from Spain by and by the Spanish-the Statesn state of warfarefare. eyepatch it decreedly controlled Cuba only until 1902, it attested itself on the island with a long-term lease on Guantanamo talk for a naval base. Up to the snip earlier Castro was seated in power, the US ambassador to Cuba was the stake most pwoerful officail afterward the ch pass aroundperson. (Lafeber, 19 Aril 1986, p. 537). electric chair Truman inn demonstrate 12, 1947 imposeed the Truman Doctrine recomended to Congress to halt the Russian assault in Europe.I reckon that it must be the polity of the get together estates to post free concourses who are resisting atempted conquest by armed minorities or by eruptside pressures. (cited in Ismael, 1965, p. 3212). Regular battles with the curse of communism and in 1948, the Belrin axis of rotationkade where the Russian tries to starve forth the horse opera arena unless the US a nswered by airlifting a tremendous amount of food and advance(prenominal)(a)(a) supplies. The US assistd the issueistas versus the Communista in the civil war in China which the Communists fifty-fiftytidentu bothy won in 1949.In 1950, the US gladly responed to the plow to end the Communists North America aggression towards S turn outh Korea by rangeing promenade low Gen. Douglas McArthur. While the Korean war became inetnsely unpopular aong many Americans as casualties were wakeless and the Truman administration was blamed for not foreseeing the attack. at that place was a general agreement in clipping that the cuommunist leders had to be sh own that the US would, if necessary, use power to stop the expansionist ends. In 1953, Dwight D. Eisenhower was elect president.Anti-cmmunist displaceiment was still going dependable as McCarthy continued his unproven charges that the governingn payrll included commies. Through his charges, teh Sneator speread fear and rac ket throughout the countyr. In 1954, Cimmunist China imperil the islands held by the Nationalist regime. The US announced that it would fulfil Taiwan against any atack and sworn itself to aid any fellow Sout easterly Asian Trety Organizaton member in engagement communist advances. Communist influence in Latin America became more(prenominal) and more apparent especiall(a)y in Cuba. In 1959, Fidel Castro ended the islands totalitarian g e trulywherenemnt.Soon, Caro was displaying oppressive 10dencies and strong leanings towards communism. By 1960, it was evident that Cuba was stressful to implant communism in other Latin American nations. (Book of Knowledge) Castro first attracted external attention and national history when he led an unsuccessful attack on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago, Cuba on July 24th 1953 hoping to overthrwo the tyranny of accordingly President Fulgencio Batista. Castro was par through with(p)d in 1955 and sailed to Mexico but returned in 1956 and in stigated a guerila wafare against Batistas regime.In the beforehand(predicate) mins of 1st January 1959, Batista and the former Prime Minisster and newlyelected President Dr. Andres Rivero Aguero fled Cuba (Telzrow, 2006). On Jan. 6th, an formal note proclaiming the sincere good allow for of the presidency of the linked sound outs towards the new political sympathies was sent to Castro (Welch, 1982, p. 29). Career diplomat Philip Bonsal was then decreed as the new US embassador to Havana with the hope that Bonsal impart be able develop good raltions with Castro replicating his sucess in Bolivia where he was able to establisg good relationships with the left-leaning officeholder adminsitration.On April 19, 1959 after a 3 ? hour show pop with wickedness President Richard Nixon in Washington D. C. , Nixon was convinced that Castro was indeed a communist. Castro was determined to transform Cuba led to thorough reforms and other economic changes that brought him goalr to the Cuba communist party and redact him on a collisison course with the Eisenhower Adminsrtration. When in early 1960, the US tried to strangle Castro with tough economic sanctions, he turned to the Soviet bloc for help. (Lafeber) Free lections were suspended, private business was socialized, US property was confiscated, On Oct.12, the Cuban government nationalizes 382 big businesses including manu occurrenceurers of sugar, liquor, beer, perfume, soap, textiles and milk products as thoroughly as bank. (Blight & axerophthol Kornbluh, 1999, p. 161). As early as Oct. 1959, curriculums had been proposed by the Department of State in agreement with the CIA to support elements unconnected to the Cuban government while qualification Castros crop upfall wait to be the result of his own mistakes. In Dec. 1959, J. C. King, the CIAs head of its Western Hemisphere plane section outlines a series of covert and propaganda operations to overthrow Castro.On March 17, Preseident Eisenhowe r approves a CIA policy paper title A design of Covert Action Against the Castro Regime. (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 159). In the History of Cuba as compiled and compose by J. A. Sierra (2007, par. 14), the plan was siad to drive included 1) the creation of a prudent and unified Cuabn op mail to the Castro regime fixed outside of Cuba, 2) the development of a heart for mass communication to the Cuban people as part of a sinewy propaganda offesnive,3) the creations and development of a covert news program and act organization within Cuba whioch would respond to the orders and adoptions o the be be in possession of opposition, and 4) the development of a paramilitray soldiers otuside of Cuba for future guerilla action. These goals were to be achieved in sucg a manner as to avoid the appearance of U. S. treatment. In July 1960, Soviet Prime Minister Nikita Khruschev openly govern its support for Castro by speaking of nonliteral rockets that would protect Cuba from t eh U. S. to which Pres.Eisenhower announced that the US would no tolrate the establishment of a regime predominate by international communism in the Western hemisphere. (cited in Sierra, 2007, par. 7). On Oct. 28, Amb. Bonsal was permanently recalled to Washington. On Jan. 3, 1961, all diplomtic relations were down in the mouth off with Cuba. The course of instruction 1960 was also the year for the pass period for the the presidential elections. Vice President Richard Nixon was running against SenatorJohn F. Kennedy. The Kennedy campiagn rode on the American voters anti-Castro sentiment and their restlessness towards the resolution of the Castro issue.On the eve of a candidates debate, Kennedy attacked Eisenhowers Cuba policy. He called for U. S. support for the non-Batista anti-Castro draws in exile, and in Cuba itself, who offer eventual hope for overthrowing Castro. stated further, thus far these fighers for freedom scram had no support from our government. Nixon attac ks Kennedys position on Cuba as irresponsible and reckless since he knew that CIA Director solelyan Dulles himslef briefed Kennedy more or less months gumption on intelligence amtters including the t each(prenominal)ing of Cuban exiles for operations against the Castro government.(Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, pp. 160-162). Meanwhile, the program for covert action was universe put in place. Radio Swan goes on the air in May 1960. The programs were tape-recorded in Miami and routed throught the Swan transmitter, An airport was built in Guatemala, a cuntry whose president was beholden to the CIA-led U. S. support in overthrowing the reformist government in 1954. The Cuban exiled violences called group 2506 who were be trained in Useppa Island off the lantern slide of Florida were transferred to a camp in Guatemala.Eventually, the sizing of the brigade grew to virtually 1,500 soldiers and were called Brigade 2506. A few months later, Castro charged that the U. S. has taken over Swan Island and has setup a very powerful broadcast station there, during an court to the UN oecumenic Assembly which the US refuted claiming that there is a private commercial broadcasting station in Swan Island . Foreigh Minsiter Raul Roa address the UN a month later providing detail on the recruitment and training of the Cuban exiles wherein he referred to them as mercenaries and counter- vicissitudearies.The CIA recruits were paid USD400 per month to train and an additional USD175. 00 for their wives and more for their children. (Sierra, 2007, par. 19) put down In a historic meeting of the participants of both sides in 2001, Castro himself window paneedly referred to them as brigadistas. President Eisenhower approves a budget of USD13 one thousand one million million for the covert antCastro operation as wholesome as the use of the Department of de fencing personnel and equipment. However, it was specified that no US force personnel are to be used in combat st atus. second PLAN The CIA changes the conception of the plan in Nov.8-9, 1960 from a guerilla infiltraion to an amphibious onset Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 162). Why? Cuban accustaion of propaganda via Radio Swan First act at dribbleing weapons and supplies to the internal Cuban resistance was a failure having missed the drop zone by seven miles, lands on a dam, picked up by Castro forces and the gound gene caught and shot Young officers revolt in Guatemala due to the presence of the Cuba expeditionary force which the US helped to quell The operation is no longer a secret as it is known all over Latin America and was being discussed in UN circles.The fit Chief of Staff were consulted for the first time on Jan. 11th 1961. A on the job(p) committee including representatives from the CIA, Defense and the JCS resulted which the Pentagon code name calling Operation Bumpy Road. On Jan. 28th, newly-elected President John F. Kennedy receives his first CIA briefing on the Cuba n operation. The concept of the plan as outlined in the memorandum ready by cardinal senior CIA official in charge of the brigade, Jacob Esteline and Jack Hawkins is as follows The initial mission of the assault force will be to seize and defend a small demesne. in that respect will be no attempt to break out of lodgment for further offensive operations unless and until there is a general spring up against the Castro regime or overt military machine intervention by the US forces has taken place. (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 164). The arrive would be in the vicinity of the old colonial metropolis of Trinida, Cuba in the southern marge of Cuba. This is well-nigh 400 km. Southeast of Havana at the foothills of Escambray mountains. The Trinidad site provided a second of options that the exile brigade could exploit during the intrusion.The popiltaion of Trinidad was generally fence to Castro and the rugged mountains outside the city provided an area into which the encroachm ent force could take and establish a guerilla campaign were the landing place to falter. Throughout the 1960, the growing ranks of Briagde 2560 rained throughout for the set down landing and possible mountain retreat (Wikipedia). Richard Bissell, CIA Director of thinks, assessed the plans as having a sporting chance of success success heart and soul ability to survive, hold ground and attarct groing support for Cubans and get a ful-fledged civil war in which the US could then buttocks the anti-Castro forces openly.At worst, the invaders should be able to fight their bureau to the Escabray and go into guerilla action. (Bight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 164). The military plan for d- twenty-four hours of Macrh 5 is put back until April after examination of all possible alternatives. Why? State Department mind out grave effects on US position in Latin America No way to disgusie US complicity However, Bissell argued for the violation on the grounds of governing body problem i f the mission is aborted brigade members will be angry, dis whoremastered and aggressive (in fact a revolt did occur in late Jan.1961 among the Cuban exiles in Guatemala and most half of the more than 500 en in camp resigned. ) (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 164). Bissell concludes that this is the resist opportunity for the US to bring down Castro without overt US military intervention or a full embargo. National Security Adviser McGeorge Bundy recommended to institute a trade embargo first and permit internal oppositon build for several months and then launch Bissellss battalion. Ther Trinida plan is rejected as the President prepfers a quiet landing, prefereably at night with no basis for American military intervention.CIA presented ternion alternatives. The first is a modification of the Trinidad plan, the second targets an area on the northeast coast of Cuba and the thrid is an invasion at the talk of Pigs codenamed Opertion Zapata. The pPresident orders modifcations of t he Zapata Plan to mak it appear more like an inside, guerilla-type operation. It was circumscribed to a night landing (instead of a dawn landing) and air drops a t first light. Kennedy questions the necessity of the air strikes, A compromise is agreed upon limited air strikes two twenty-four hourss pror to d-day simultanoeus with a diversionary landing of 160 men in Eastern Cuba.These strikes will give the low of being the action of Cuban pilots defecting from teh Cuban air force and thus supproting the legend that air support for the invasion force is coming from within Cuba. Bissell also reassures Kennedy that the Cubans on the island will join in an uprising. Sen. William Fulbright, moderate of the Senate Foreign Relations describes the venture as ill-considered and predicts that it will be unattainable to conceal the US hand. afterwards polling a dozen advisers, all vote in respect of moving ahead ecept for Sec.Of State Dean Rusk who remained noncommittal. Defense Sec. quest the JCS to reconsider the rules of engagement to ensure that the US would not become oertly engaged with Castro forces. cardinal days before d-day, Esterline and Hawkins, two of the leaders of the invasion call on Bissell to tell him that they want to quit. They say that the jutting is out of control. Bissell asks them to stay and they do. Three days before the invsion, Kennedy rules outm under any condition, an intervention in Cuba by the US Armed Forces.One day before the invasion, the number of plane were decrease from 16 to 6 planes as tell by Kennedy in order to hang in it minimal. On April 16, Kennedy formally approved the landing plan. However, fearing international condemnation, Kennedy cancels the dawn air strikes until the footing airfiled is in the hands of the aldning force and completely operational and capale of supporting the raids. Bissel argued that the ships as well as the landings will be heartbreakingly endangered without the dawn strikes,In early m orning, aboard the Blagar, CIA agent Grayston Lynch receives a center from Washington Castro still has operational aircraft. transmit you to be snap at dawn. sink all legions and supplies and take ships to sea as soon as possible. On learning that the invading troops will meet resistance in the landing area, due to failure to destroy all of the Cuban air force, the Blagar moves in close to shore and delivers gunfire support. Brigade troops commence landing at 0100 hours. later on that morning, the Houston comes under air attack and is hit.It goes aground with about 180 men on the west side of the Bay of Pigsabout five miles from the landing beach. At 930 AM, the freighter Rio Escondido is sunk by a direct rocket hit from a Sea Furywith ten days reserves of ammunition on board, as well as food, hospital equipment, and gasoline. All crew members are rescued and transferred to the Blagar. fleck rages throughout the day, with the brigade freighters withdrawing 50 miles out to sea. That evening, President Kennedy discusses the deteriorating situation with his advisers.(Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 168). On April 18, the Brigade Commander refused a call for evacuation. While at the UN on the aforementioned(prenominal) day, Ambassador Adlai Stevenson continued to deny that the joined States had intervened militarily in Cuba. Bissell, in direct violation of Kennedys instructions, authorized American pilots to fly combat missions when a number of the Cuban pilots at Pueto Cabezos refused to fly. On April 19, two planes flown by U. S. pilots were shot down and the pilots killed. The invasion force were captured.About 130 were killed and 1,189 were taken prisoners. Cubas casualties were about 157. Mass trial were held and each was sentenced to 30 years in prison. After 20 months of negotations, most were released in echange for USD53 million in baby food and medical examination supplies. (Sierra, 2007). Lymann Kirkpatrick, the CIA Inspector General, issued a report that pointed to Bissell and his adjutant stork Tracy Barnes as not having firm plans for the invasion and failed to advise Kennedy that a covert action is not at all possible.Bissell rebutted by issuing a memorandum of his own and putting the blame on Kennedys withdrawal of the air strikes. On June 13, 1961, General Taylor, head of the Taylor Commitee composed on Gen. maxwell taylor, Atty. General Robert Kennedy, Adm. Arleigh Burke and Dir. Gen. Of CIA Allen Dulles to check why the operation failed submits their report to President Kennedy A paramilitary operation of the order of Zapata could not be prepared and conducted in such(prenominal) a way that all U. S.support of it and connection with it could be plausibly disclaimed. By about November 1960, the impossibility of running Zapata as a covert operation under CIA should have been recognized and the situation reviewed. If a reorientation of the operation had not been possible, the project should have been abandoned. (Blight & Kornbluh, 1999, p. 169). Apart from the reports of Kirkpatrick of the CIA and the Taylor Committee, and after more documents relating to the Bay of Pigs invasion surfaced and were declassified, the following can be concluded the CIA make decisions on mere assumptions that the people would ad libitum assist in overthrowing Castro (Lafeber, 1986). they failed to see that the exiles and the supporters were the aloud minority while the majority were straddling the fence in a wait-and-see attitude inasmuch as Castros government was still at its inception and already seemed to have eben serious about its reforms in distributing the wealth grueling on the few during the previous regime which was openly supported by the U.S. the United States could have lost sympathy from the locals since from 1898, they have exerted great influence over Cubas internal affairs seemingly to the point of meddling in order to favor American businessees and the invasion was undeniably a US-bac ked operation the US did not intrust its own invading force, not even telling the Cuban exiles the actual day of the invason. One aganet admitted that, I dont trsut any goddamn Cuban. (Lafeber, 1986) aside from being trapped by his own campaign statements, the ongoing cold war obligate Kennedy to take immediate if undecisive action in battling Cubas Castro and ultimately the USSRs Nikita Kruschev for the Western hemisphere there were tactical errors such as mistaking the coral reefs in the Bay of Pigs for seaweed which ran the exile craft aground and made easy targets the US underestimated the Castros credentials and defenses.In a historic meeting in 2001 between the antagonists and the protagonists in the invasion which was held in Cuba, it was divulged that a vast security network had been established and about 20,000 suspect dissidents were rounded up which effectively squelch US expectations of a mass rebellion. Moreover, the Cuban air forces better planes were camouflag ed and the ones that were destruct by teh pre-d-day strike were decoys. (Dinges, 2001, p. 6). the CIA strategy is grow on another assumption that no president, Kennedy included despite his statements against overt operations, will allow the United States to go down in ignominous defeat and will send in the Marines (as related by Whote offer adviser Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. In Dinges, 2001). There were no CIA broadcasts to announce the invasion (Telzrow, 2006). It would seem highly improbable that the worlds greatest superpower would be overcome by a revolutionary government barely over a year in power. However, that is exactly what Cuba did did under Fidel Castros leadership.On April 19, 1961 Cuba was able to repulse an invasion led by 1,400 commandos of Brigade 2506 who arrived at Playa Giron (Giron Beach) from Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs) Brigade 2506 was US-backed all the way. The planning and training was done by the CIA. They were armed and supplied by the US. It was not a failure of the men of the invasion force who fought valiantly and refused to be evacuated. given(p) the circumstances surrounding the invasion, it was a stainless failure as it has now been dubbed for the outstanding defeat of the US.Overall, this is mainly due to the assurance displayed by America and has now been immortalized in the Bay of Pigs. ? References Blight, J. G. & Kornbluh, P. (Eds. ) (1999). Politics of illusion The Bay of Pigs invasion re-examined. Boulder, CO Lynne Rienner. Dinges, J. (2001, April 23). post to the Bay of Pigs. The Nation, 272, 6. Ismael, F. L. (1965). The United States as a world leader. The Book of Knowledge, vol. 9, pp. 3206-3224. smart York Grolier Incorporated. Lafeber, W. (1986, April 19). Lest we depart the Bay of Pigs the unlearned lessons. The Nation, 242, 537-539. Sierra, J. A. (2007).History of Cuba. Retrieved swaggering 15, 2007, from http//www. historyofcuba. com/cuba/htm. Telzrow, M. E. (2006, August 21). Bay of Pigs betraya l The batrayal of the Cuba people by the CIA, State Department and staff members of the New York Times ranks as one of the Americas darkest foreign-policy moments. The New American, 22, 37-39. Welch. R. E. (1985). Response to revolution The United States and the Cuban revolution, 1959-1961. Chappel Hill, NC University of North Carolina Press. WIKIPEDIA. 2007. Bay of Pigs invasion. Retrieved August 15, 2007, from http//en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Bay_of_Pigs_Invasion.