The Cuban Revolution and the Bay of Pigs Invasion
I can explain the consequences of the Cuban Revolution and the Bay of Pigs Invasion.
The Cuban Revolution and the Bay of Pigs Invasion
I can explain the consequences of the Cuban Revolution and the Bay of Pigs Invasion.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 1959, Fidel Castro led a nationalist revolution in Cuba which overthrew Batista's unpopular, US-backed government.
- Castro confiscated US property; the USA responded with economic sanctions which led Cuba to move closer to the USSR.
- The USA's attempt to use CIA-trained, Cuban exiles to overthrow Castro ended with defeat at the Bay of Pigs.
- The Bay of Pigs incident damaged the reputation of Kennedy and the USA and meant Cuba and the USSR became closer allies.
- Kennedy was concerned that the USSR would place missiles in Cuba but Khrushchev assured him that this would not happen.
Keywords
Revolution - a rapid and important change
Export - a product or service that is sold and transported to another country
Nationalist - someone who strongly believes in and supports their own country, placing its interests above those of other nations
CIA - stands for Central Intelligence Agency; part of the US government that is responsible for espionage and secret operations
Exile - someone who has been forced to leave their home and live somewhere else, often for political reasons
Common misconception
Castro was a communist when he overthrew Batista's government in 1959.
Although some people involved in the Cuban Revolution were communist, Castro was a nationalist and only declared that he was a communist at the end of 1961 after the failed Bay of Pigs Invasion led Cuba to develop a closer relationship with the USSR.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The Cuban Revolution and the Bay of Pigs Invasion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The Cuban Revolution and the Bay of Pigs Invasion, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Cold War crises, 1958-70 unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Cuba
USSR
USA