Prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis

Castro takes over Cuba

Jan 1, 1959

In January 1959, nearly six years after gueruilla warfare Castro seizes control of Cuba from the corrupt Fulgencio Batista. Sworn in as Cuban PM.

Prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis (1959-1962)

Period: Jan 1, 1959 to Oct 16, 1962

Castro visits the U.S.

Apr 15, 1959

Fidel Castro's visit to America is generally friendly, yet the U.S.government remains cautiously optimistic that the differences with the new regime would be worked out

Castro nationalizes businesses

Jul 5, 1960

Castro formally nationalises all forgein owned property and businesses in the in Cuba, incluiding main American holdings

President John F. Kennedy

Jan 20, 1961

John Fitzgerald Kennedy is sworn in as president after winning on of the closest elections in history

The Bay of Pigs Invasion

Apr 17, 1961

The Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba begins but ends in disaster. The U.S. is deafeted.

U.S. is deafeated in invasion

Apr 19, 1961

Due to poor planning and lack of commitment the invaders were defeated in only three days by Castro's force

Kennedy's public warning

Apr 20, 1961

President Kennedy's public warning against the introduction of offensive weapons to Cuba

U.S conducts new trade embargo

Sep 4, 1961

John F. Kennedy imposes a full trade embargo on Cuba, which was approved by Eisenhower.

Castro and Khrushchev

Sep 4, 1961

Castro joins forces with Nikita Khrushchev of the USSR, when Cuba is in need of trading advisor

Missiles are installed by U.S.

Apr 1, 1962

The U.S expands its nuclear forces by placing balistic missiles in Britian, Europe, and Turkey.