The earlier overthrow of President Fulgencio Batista by Fidel Castro’s 26th of July Movement in 1959 had brought about a dramatic change in US-Cuban relations. American President Dwight D. Eisenhower initially recognised the new socialist government, but the situation quickly deteriorated as Cuba introduced agrarian reforms and nationalised US-owned interests.
In response the USA stopped buying Cuban sugar and banned the sale of oil, so Castro’s government turned to the USSR for economic assistance. This led to a further deterioration of relations with America. However, a complete trade embargo only came about after Cuba nationalised the three American-owned oil refineries in the country in October 1960.
Further nationalisations over the next three months – including that of private property owned by Americans – led the Eisenhower administration to cut all diplomatic ties with Cuba on 3 January. Meanwhile a group of Cuban exiles in the USA, known as Brigade 2506, were trained by the CIA to overthrow Castro’s government. This plan, which resulted in the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, was followed through by John F. Kennedy after he became the 35th President of the USA less than three weeks after the closure the embassy.
Diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States were restored on 20 July 2015 under the Obama administration, although the trade embargo continued. Nevertheless, restrictions were reinstated under President Trump.
