What major event in John F. Kennedy's presidency involved a failed invasion of Cuba?

The Bay of Pigs invasion was a significant event during John F. Kennedy's presidency that involved a failed attempt to overthrow the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro. This operation took place in April 1961, when the CIA, under the Eisenhower administration and later supported by Kennedy, trained and equipped Cuban exiles to invade Cuba and spark a rebellion against Castro. However, the invasion was poorly planned and executed, leading to a quick defeat of the exiles.

The failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion had profound implications for U.S.-Cuba relations and for Kennedy's administration, leading to a loss of credibility for the United States and bolstering Castro’s position. It also contributed to increasing tensions during the Cold War, especially as it preceded and set the stage for subsequent conflicts, such as the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The event is often viewed as a critical moment that highlighted the complexities and risks of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America during the Cold War.