The U.S. Attempts to Contain Cuba

1. Why was Cuba so important to the United States?
It's industry and most businesses were owned by Americans. Also it was extremely close to America and had been a long time ally.
2. Why do you think the Americans chose to equip Cuban exiles rather than invading themselves?
They didn't want to get their hands dirty and risk all out war with the Soviets backing the cubans. This way it was a cival war and one that only involves the people.
3. Why did the invasion fail?
The Cubans had modern weapons and armored veichles like tanks and armored personal carriers. The rebels didn't have these.
4. Compare Source 17 on page 345 (in the Arms Race.pdf reading) with Source 24 on page 348. Describe how the Soviet Union missiles on Cuba changed the Cold War balance of power.
In Source 17 on page 345 the U.S. had both long range and short range missles aimed at the Soviets while the Soviets didn't have either. In Source 24 on page 348 the Soviets had both long range and short range nukes pointed at America and could desimate the country without a problem.