In 1961, the United States launched an attack on Cuba meant to overthrow Castro's government.  Though the aid and training given to the attacking exiles was substantial, they suffered total defeat and created a humiliating episode for the United States.  Not only was the operation a military disaster, but it also failed its inital objective: in the end, the attack only increased Cubans' support of their leader.

On March 17, 1960, U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower agreed to start a program to overthrow the Cuban Government.  Run by the CIA, this program would train, arm, and recruit Cuban exiles to participate in an invasion of Cuba.

When John F. Kennedy became President, he had to decide whether or not to go through with the attack.  He decided in favor of it, largely because if he had called off the attack, there would have been more than a thousand armed, trained exiles who would complain and bring the matter under the public eye.

The intent of the attack was to take a beachhead, establish a government, and gain U.S. recognition.  They thought that the people would then rise up and fight with them, overthrowing Fidel Castro.