Final answer:
The Bay of Pigs invasion was a failed covert operation authorized by President Kennedy, but originally planned during Eisenhower's administration, with the aim of overthrowing Fidel Castro's government in Cuba. It ended in a military and political debacle, strengthening Castro's regime and deteriorating US-Soviet relations rather than ameliorating them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Bay of Pigs invasion, a significant event in US foreign policy, was neither the brainchild of President Kennedy nor a demonstration of his foreign policy competence. Instead, the plan was initiated during President Eisenhower's tenure and was subsequently authorized by Kennedy after he took office. The goal was to facilitate a coup that would oust Fidel Castro's government in Cuba by arming and equipping Cuban refugees, in the hope that they would be seen as liberators and instigate a popular revolt against the Castro regime.
However, this operation was thoroughly bungled by the CIA. The invasion was crushed by Castro's military, as the anticipated uprising among the Cuban people didn't materialize, primarily because Castro still retained significant popularity in Cuba. Furthermore, the cancellation of the planned air support by Kennedy left the invaders vulnerable, leading to a swift defeat and subsequent imprisonment.
The result of the invasion was the exact opposite of what the US hoped to achieve. Rather than weakening Castro's regime or inspiring an improvement in US-Soviet relations, it strengthened Castro's hold on power and pushed him further towards the Soviet Union for military protection. This event played a role in bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis and highlighted the complexities of Cold War-era interference in foreign governments.