Final answer:
The Bay of Pigs invasion was a disastrous 1961 U.S. attempt to overthrow Cuba's Castro regime, leading to strengthened Cuban-Soviet relations and U.S. international embarrassment. Its failure underscored the risks of underestimating local support for foreign leaders and the repercussions of covert military operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bay of Pigs invasion was a failed 1961 attempt by the United States to overthrow the Cuban government, led by Fidel Castro. Starting on April 17, 1961, the operation involved a force of Cuban exiles, trained and equipped by the CIA. While they initially overcame the local militia, the exiles could not withstand the Cuban Army. The anticipated air support from the United States did not arrive, leading to the invaders' surrender after three days.
Former President Eisenhower had planned the operation and President Kennedy authorized it, hoping a coup would install a government in Cuba aligned with U.S. interests. However, the plan was predicated on the assumption that the Cuban people would rise up and support the exiles, which did not occur. Instead, the failed invasion resulted in international embarrassment for the US and ultimately strengthened Fidel Castro's position. Castro's government sought closer ties with the Soviet Union for protection, which played a role in the unfolding of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Following the Bay of Pigs, the US's reputation was damaged, with its allies denouncing the covert action, and it led to increased tensions during the Cold War. Even after the incursion, Kennedy continued to pursue plans to remove unfavorable governments using small commando units, highlighting a belief in direct, albeit covert, intervention in foreign countries.