Playa Girón/Bay of Pigs: Washington's First Military Defeat in the Americas

by José Ramón Fernández

In fewer than 72 hours of combat in April 1961, Cuba’s revolutionary armed forces defeated a U.S.-organized invasion by 1,500 mercenaries. In the process, the Cuban people set an example for workers, farmers, and youth the world over that with political consciousness, class solidarity, courage, and revolutionary leadership, one can stand up to enormous might and seemingly insurmountable odds—and win. Foreword by Jack Barnes, 20-page photo section and other photos, maps, charts, chronology, glossary, further reading, index. Now with enlarged type.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

301 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virgin CIA mercenaries vs Chad Cuban revolutionary fighters

[Marc Lichtman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about what in the US is called the Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961, which was a major setback for US imperialism. It has a foreword by Jack Barnes about the already existing Cuba solidarity movement in the US--he was an activist in the largest campus chapter of Fair Play for Cuba. He explains what he and many other activists around the country were doing. Many of them had already visited Cuba to see for themselves what was unfolding.

The rest of the book is:

(1) A long essay by José Ramón Fernández, now deceased, but at the time a vice-president of Cuba's council of ministers. Fernández had been part of an opposition to Batista's coup inside the military. Another member of this military opposition group, Enrique Carreras, also played a big role and is considered the founder of Cuba's revolutionary air force. (see 'Making History: Interviews with Four Generals of Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces'). Both played a central role in these events and long after.

And (2) speeches given by Fidel Castro, mostly during the event, which he also played a central role in. There are, as well, speeches by Fernández, Che Guevara, and Raúl Castro.

An exciting book. Don't miss it.

Also, To Speak the Truth: Why Washington's 'cold War' Against Cuba Doesn't End, Dynamics of the Cuban Revolution: A Marxist Appreciation.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A unique, primary sources reference which is very highly recommended for students of American military history, foreign policy, and contemporary American/Cuban relations.”—Midwest Book Review

“Includes translations of a dozen Cuban primary source documents on the U.S.-backed invasion at the Bay of Pigs…. The documents … tell a familiar story, but they tell it well. Also contains José Ramón Fernández Alvarez’s 1999 testimony about his role leading Cuban troops against the invaders at Playa Girón. Photographs, maps, and charts throughout the book provide a useful supplement to the text.”—Hispanic American Historical Review

“A varied collection of speeches, communiqués and testimonies from the time, by those such as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, are presented. These well catch the knife-edged political tension and subsequent triumph of the momentous days in April 1961. Using fascinating military maps, photographs and a full chronology of the time, the book provides previously unpublished details surrounding the CIA-backed invasion and the subsequent defeat of the 1,500 US mercenaries at the Bay of Pigs.… [Gives] a real feel for the bravery and conviction of the revolutionary Cuban forces, and their willingness to defend the socialist principles of the Revolution at any cost.… Provides invaluable inspiration.”—An Phoblacht/Republican News