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Year 11 - History

The Bay of Pigs Invasion

Wider Depth Study - Conflict and tension between East and West, 1945–1972

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils undergo a wider depth study which tells a story about a period that shaped the world we live in today: the Cold War. They look at the key events, developments, people and stories that defined the international relations in this Cold War period.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to analyse the causes, events and consequences of the Bay of Pigs Invasion.

Key Notes

  • The USA opposed the Castro government in Cuba.
  • The Bay of Pigs Invasion attempted to overthrow Castro.
  • The Bay of Pigs Invasion was a failure.
  • The USA's reputation was damaged by the invasion.
  • Cuba and the Soviet Union deepened their relations after the invasion.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • provenance: the background of a source including who, why, and when it was written
  • satellite: a country controlled by or depending on a more powerful country
  • CIA: stands for Central Intelligence Agency; a US intelligence agency used for spying and organising secret operations in other countries
  • exile: someone who has been forced to leave their home and live somewhere else, often for political reasons

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Bay of Pigs Invasion directly involved US combat forces.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The USA opposed the Castro government in Cuba. The Bay of Pigs Invasion attempted to overthrow Castro.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'provenance'

the background of a source including who, why, and when it was written.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: The Bay of Pigs Invasion directly involved US combat forces. Correction: JFK refused to involve US ground troops or air support in the invasion whcih relied upon a small group of Cuban exiles.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 11 History guide library.