Analysis
Bay of Pigs
When John F. Kennedy became President of the United States on January 20, 1961, he inherited every policy decision that Eisenhower had yet to carry out. (1) One of these was the planned invasion of Cuba to depose Fidel Castro and the 26th of July Movement. The Central Intelligence Agency had recruited and trained Cuban exiles to conduct the invasion. The operation became known as the Bay of Pigs Invasion after the point that the Cuban exiles made their landing. The planning of the invasion began with the 1959 defeat of Fulgencio Batista, the former president of Cuba. The CIA believed that the use of Cuban exiles would work because of their perceived success in the 1954 coup against President Jacobo Arbenz of Guatemala. In the 1954 coup against Arbenz, the CIA had used disgruntled Guatemalan military officers and Agency provided air support to aid in the coup. In the Bay of Pigs, there would be no such saving graces. The air and artillery support the US promised was either canceled or so delayed that Castro's forces easily repelled the invading forces. Additionally, the CIA had no understanding of the environment in which they were operating. In Guatemala, there had been differing factions to exploit within Arbenz's government. In 1961 Cuba there were no such factions left on the island. This was due to any that had opposed the 26th of July Movement fleeing the island in the wake of losing their benefactor. This meant that the invaders had no support to meet them once they arrived. This led to the spectacular failure that is now associated with the Bay of Pigs. By 1961, the CIA had grown confident enough in its abilities to conduct such an operation. However, they operated with undeserved confidence, as they had not learned how to conduct such operations in hostile nations. It is by looking at the CIA's overconfidence in their ability to pull off the Bay of Pigs Invasion that we see how Fidel Castro and the Cuban government were able to assert their sovereignty, and become a regional power despite the lopsided odds stacked against them.
By Atomic Historianabout a year ago in History
Fixing it in Post
In 1954, Jacobo Arbenz had been the President of Guatemala for three years. When Arbenz took power in 1951, he had no idea that continuing his predecessor’s crusade for Guatemala’s peasantry would draw him into the crosshairs of the United States government.(1) His predecessors had ruled Guatemala in the American business-friendly fashion expected by the United States government. Arbenz’s mild attempts to transform the Guatemalan economy from a feudalistic state into a capitalist one drew the ire of the United States government via the interests of U.S. businesses operating in the country.(2) For most Americans, greater threats to "national security" have overshadowed knowledge of Operation PBSUCCESS and the events surrounding the coup against Arbenz. In part, this is due to the rarity for the American education system to teach about the United States government’s involvement in Latin America beyond a few approved highlight-reel moments. This is further compounded by Americans seldom taking the time to learn about other cultures. And as governments are representative of the general population, in addition to the assumed exceptionalism of the United States, this has created a sense of institutionalized amnesia amongst policymakers. This willful amnesia has led to the forgetting of the actions of one administration by the next. This contrasts the experience in Latin America, where despite the large size of some nations, the interconnectedness is more apparent, and has created an atmosphere where it is harder to erase the collective memory. The preservation of memory in Latin American is further extended by the diaspora of political exiles. Amongst these exiles are the descendants of Jacobo Arbenz, who have worked to counter the mythmaking that has warped the American memory surrounding the 1954 coup against Arbenz. Furthermore, it is myths that make nations, and whoever controls a nation’s education controls its past, and thus a nation's future.
By Atomic Historianabout a year ago in History
September 11: The Death of Democracy in Chile
In the early 1970s the government of the United States of America, with their Chilean allies took a course that would destroy one of the most stable countries in South America. Caught up in the fervor of the Cold War, they set the stage to overthrow the first democratically elected Socialist leader of South America. Setting United States foreign policy for the foreseeable future, and setting back the progress of Chile indefinitely. While the United States did not instigate the coup, actions taken through covert support of the Chilean Armed Forces would set the stage for a chilling era for all Chileans. The September 11, 1973 coup against Salvador Allende is representative of Cold War fanaticism within the United States government led by President Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger during the Cold War. This fanaticism was brought on by the belief that Allende’s regime would become an anchor for Communism in South America and ruin the Chilean economy in the process.
By Atomic Historianabout a year ago in History
The Evolution of Language. Content Warning.
Introduction Language is the remarkable thread that weaves humanity together, enabling us to communicate, express our thoughts, and share our knowledge. It is a tool that has evolved over thousands of years, molding and adapting to the needs of diverse societies and cultures. This essay delves into the fascinating history of language, tracing its origins, development, and the profound impact it has had on the progress of human civilization.
By M.J. HUMPHREYabout a year ago in History
Amelia's Quest: Unlocking the Secrets of Elysium
Once upon a time, in a quaint little town nestled between rolling hills, there lived a young girl named Amelia. She had an insatiable curiosity and an adventurous spirit that set her apart from the other children. Amelia's favorite spot was an old oak tree, standing tall and proud in the center of the town square. It was said to have magical properties, and stories were whispered among the townsfolk about wishes coming true for those who believed.
By Steven Yoanesabout a year ago in History
"Forging a New Golfing Era: PGA Tour and European Tour Unite, Resolving LIV Golf Dispute"
In a groundbreaking move that is set to reshape the world of professional golf, the PGA Tour and European Tour have announced their merger, effectively putting an end to the long-standing litigation surrounding the controversial LIV Golf venture. This historic collaboration between the two prestigious golf tours marks a significant milestone, offering unprecedented opportunities for players, fans, and the growth of the sport on a global scale.
By Tunde Alabiabout a year ago in History
Top 3 railway accidents and incidents in India
India's deadliest rail accident was the 1981 Bihar train derailment (750+ killed) After five days, more than 200 bodies were recovered, with hundreds more missing that were feared washed away by the river. Estimates of total deaths range from 500 to 800 or more. By the afternoon of June 12, the government had completed its recovery efforts and had issued an official death toll of 235 passengers (including the bodies of 3 passengers which had not been recovered), with 88 survivors.The cause of the crash is uncertain as the accident was not well documented. There are multiple theories:a
By Mahendra Pratap Singh bhartiabout a year ago in History