What was the Bay of Pigs Invasion?

The Bay of Pigs Invasion refers to a covert operation carried out in April 1961, where a group of U.S.-backed Cuban exiles attempted to overthrow the regime of Fidel Castro in Cuba. The plan was to land at the Bay of Pigs and establish a beachhead, with the expectation that this would incite an uprising among the Cuban populace against Castro. However, the invasion was poorly executed and met with strong resistance from Cuban forces, leading to a swift failure.

This operation is significant in American history because it marked a crucial moment in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, showcasing the tensions between the U.S. and communist regimes, particularly in Latin America. The Bay of Pigs Invasion not only failed to achieve its objective but also embarrassed the U.S. government and contributed to increased hostilities between the United States and Cuba.