apr 17, 1961 - Bay of Pigs invasion

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The domino theory was that revolutionary movements would spread into nearby countries to that which it had already taken hold. Therefore, the fall of Cuba to communism concerned the Americans as they thought it would spread through central and south america (right n their doorstep).
The CIA trained Cuban exiles and planned for them to take over Cuba backed by the US air force and causing Cubans to rise up and overthrow the regime but it became apparent that ordinary Cubans supported Castro shortly before the invasion.
Despite concerns about how effective it would be and the legality of the action, the CIA had spent $5m on it, making it difficult to abandon and so Kennedy gave the go ahead.
At the last minute, Kennedy withdrew air force cover for the exiles leaving them stranded. 90% of the troops were killed or captured by the overpowering Cuban military.
The US was clearly involved and received international criticism due to it being illegal. It was an embarrassment for Kennedy because it made him seem inexperienced to the much older Khrushchev.
Castro was able to claim great victory but was also aware of the vulnerability of his position were the Americans to try again which meant that he was led into closer ties with the USSR.

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