The Cuban Revolution, which culminated in 1959, dramatically altered U.S.-Cuba relations. After Fidel Castro's regime took power, Cuba aligned itself more closely with the Soviet Union, leading to heightened tensions during the Cold War. The U.S. responded by imposing an embargo on Cuba, which included restrictions on trade and travel. These actions sought to isolate Cuba economically and politically but ultimately entrenched Castro’s government. The revolution also made Cuba a focal point for U.S. foreign policy discussions related to communism, significantly affecting diplomatic relations and leading to events such as the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.