This article studies the impact of Cuban Revolution on interamerican relations in the period between 1959 and 1964 and, specifically, the heritage of contra-insurrection theory, exported with enthusiasm during the Kennedy government. In this period, Latin America had a prominent position in the agenda of both the State Departament and the Pentagon, something expressed in a multiplication of American military support and in the reinforcement of anti-subversive undertakings, historically performed by the military. Inside the United States, on the other hand, the employment of the socalled Special Forces was problematic, generating resistence and tension inside the Armed Forces.
Cuban Revolution; Kennedy government; Latin America; contra-insurrection; military support