Impact of Cold war tensions on Cuba

1. Cuban Missile Crisis

1.1. 1962- medium range nuclear missiles were placed in Cuba

1.2. Oct. 1962 U2 plane identified the weapons and Kennedy placed Cuba under quarantine.

1.3. Ships with missiles, soldiers and technicians were headed towards Cuba. The USA saw this as an act of war.

1.4. The USA and USSR entered negotiations and it was agreed to turn the ships around and for the US not to invade Cuba.

2. Embargo

2.1. 1962 An embargo was placed on Cuba that meant all ties were firmly discontinued.

2.2. The embargo might not have continued had there not been the tensions there were during the Cold war.

2.3. Mobility between Cuba and the US was made very difficult even though they were in such close proximity to each other.

3. Non-aligned movement

3.1. Cuba joined the Non aligned movement

3.2. Chaired for NAM in 1979- 1983

3.3. Stood for multilateralism, non-intervention and peaceful coexistence ,

4. Bay of Pigs

4.1. 1961-The US wanted to overthrow Castro with rebel forces however they were unsuccessful. Castro had mass support.

4.2. Rebellion was crushed with 200 killed and 1200 captured.

4.3. Major embarrassment to the US- violated international law and failed at coup.

4.4. Success for Castro but also added to distrust of USA which resulted in calls for help from USSR and later lead to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

5. Exploitation of tensions

5.1. 1974-Russia payed more for sugar (prices rose from 3.7 to 29.6 cents)

5.2. Debts deferred for 15 years and 25 years with out interest

5.3. USSR invested 350 million into Cuba over 3yrs

5.4. 10 000 USSR advisers sent to assist Cuba

6. Importance of the US

6.1. The USA was a major trading partner- controlling a high percentage of industries in Cuba

6.2. 90% of US investors controlled Cuba's telecommunications and electrical services.

6.3. 40% of farmland and 55% of mills were owned by the US

6.4. Portions of cattle, railroads, banking and mining and tourism were controlled by the US

6.5. The United fruit company had control of most of the sugar and agricultural produce.

6.6. Sugar made up 80% of the economy and 25% of the jobs in Cuba