Kennedy Doctrine Essay Example

group, known as Brigade 2506, underwent training in different locations in South Florida, while guerilla instruction took place at Fort Gulick and Fort Clayton in Panama. The invasion occurred early in President Kennedy's presidency but unfortunately ended in failure despite extensive preparations.

The September 1, 1961 issue of Time magazine analyzed the causes for the failed invasion and emphasized the absence of air support as the primary factor. The article pointed out two decisions made by Kennedy that influenced this outcome. Firstly, U.S. air power was not consistently accessible throughout the operation. Secondly, our Cuban allies' B-26s were limited to only two strikes: one prior to the invasion and another on the morning of landing (Time Magazine, Sept., 1961).

The B-26's successfully bombed Castro's airfield during the attack, destroying half of his B-26's and some T-33 jets. There was a plea to have the U.S.S. Boxer send planes to protect the ground forces, but unfortunately, the Secretary of State rejected this request. Consequently, both the U.S. and Cuban exile forces experienced significant losses on the ground. Furthermore, Castro and his forces managed to sink two transports and compel two others to retreat.

Castro utilized the failed invasion of Cuba as a means to reinforce his stance against the United States and capitalism. Simultaneously, he strengthened his alliance with the Soviet Union and communism. In light of this failure, Castro may have authorized the establishment of covert missile launch sites in Cuba as a deterrent against future invasions (Bentley et al., 2008, pg. 641).

President Kennedy's Cuban Missile Crisis, which occurred on October 14, 1962, was a separate event from the Bay of Pigs

invasion. It became a significant demonstration of his Flexible Response Doctrine. During this crisis, photographic evidence of missiles in western Cuba was obtained by a U-2 reconnaissance plane. President Kennedy held secret discussions with his advisors for several days and ultimately decided to establish a naval blockade around Cuba. The purpose of this action was twofold - to impede the Soviets' ability to bring in more supplies and also to demand the removal and destruction of existing missile sites [JFK in History: Cuban Missile Crisis (n.d.)].

On October 22, 1962, the public was notified about the building crisis that generated widespread anxiety. The world anxiously anticipated the unfolding events as it became evident that a nuclear war between the U.S. and Soviet Union was looming. Kennedy was ready to initiate a complete assault on the Soviet Union and Cuba unless Khrushchev eliminated the missiles. On October 24, 1962, all Soviet ships except one altered their path and withdrew from the blockade enforced by the U.S.

Upon receiving a letter from Khrushchev proposing that the removal of missiles would result in a public statement, the United States was ready for conflict. In order to comply with this suggestion, the President had to ensure that Cuba would never be subjected to invasion by the United States. On October 27, 1962, one U-2 plane was downed over Cuba and another U-2 narrowly evaded interception by Soviet fighters as it entered Soviet airspace. As a response, President Kennedy sent a letter to Khrushchev assuring that if the Soviet Union withdrew its missiles from Cuba, there would be no invasion by the United States.

President Kennedy's dedication

to safeguarding the United States and the free world was apparent during his management of the Cuban Missile Crisis. He employed a flexible response approach that extended to both the Soviet Union and Cuba, highlighting that the United States should not be underestimated in its efforts to preserve its citizens' liberty through political or military measures.