In the early 1960s, Cuba was thought to be a threat because it was communist and had received weapons from the Soviet Union that could reach U.S. soil. This posed a significant concern for the United States as it meant that Cuba, with the support of the Soviet Union, had the capability to launch potential attacks on American territory.
The presence of Soviet missile sites in Cuba heightened tensions during this period, leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. The United States viewed these missile sites as a direct threat to its national security, as they could potentially target major U.S. cities with nuclear weapons.
Additionally, Cuba's alignment with the Soviet Union and its close proximity to the United States further intensified the perceived threat. The establishment of missile bases in Cuba using materials supplied by the Soviet Union raised alarms in the U.S. government, prompting actions such as the implementation of an air and naval blockade to prevent further escalation of the crisis.
In summary, Cuba was considered a threat in the early 1960s primarily due to its communist ideology, military support from the Soviet Union, and the presence of missile sites capable of reaching U.S. soil, which collectively raised concerns about the safety and security of the United States.
