Fidel Castro - The Bay of Pigs Invasion (1961)

Whilst Cuba was making ties with the USSR, the USA was planning an invasion of the Cuban Island. The US would use exiled Cubans, and train them as a paramilitary force. They were trained in Guatamala and Nicaragua, and they would hopefully create a popular uprising against Castro in Cuba. The Cuban Revolutionary Council was ready to take place in the government after the alleged downfall of Castro. Former Cuban Prime Minister Miró Cardona led the group.

The Invasion failed. When the troops landed in Bay of Pigs, Castro and his own forces were there and they won over the exiles. Over 1000 were imprisoned. It was hoped that the events would spark uprisings all around the island, but this was not the case.

Because of Castro's victory, he became more powerful than ever, after the Bay of Pigs invasion. It was a confirmation for the Cubans that Castro was making Cuba a stronger country, and it reaffirmed the revolution's credibility. The invasion's failure also created a clear enemy to the Cubans. The USA.  Lastly the incident led to even stronger ties with the USSR, and larger military presence.

(All information is from Pearsons 'History, 20th century world, Authoritarian and Single-Party States', 2010)