In 1962, amid the escalating tensions of the Cold War, President John F. Kennedy instituted a full trade embargo on Cuba that would shape U.S.-Cuban relations for decades. This bold move came in response to the Cuban Revolution and the subsequent alignment of the island nation with the Soviet Union, which alarmed American policymakers. The embargo was officially announced on February 7, 1962, as a means to undermine the communist regime led by Fidel Castro, who had seized power in 1959. The trade restrictions prohibited the export of all goods to Cuba except for food and medicine, effectively isolating the island economically and politically. Kennedy's decision was rooted in the fear that Cuba could become a launching pad for Soviet influence in the Western Hemisphere and fueled concerns following the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. The embargo's objective was clear: to pressure Cuba into abandoning its communist policies and align closer with U.S. interests. The ramifications of the embargo were profound. It severely limited Cuba's economic development, leading to shortages of essential goods and services. The Cuban government responded with increased nationalism and propaganda, portraying the U.S. as a hostile adversary. The embargo also polarized public opinion both domestically and internationally, drawing criticism from various nations and human rights groups who argued that it disproportionately affected the Cuban populace. Over the years, the embargo has evolved, enduring various modifications but maintaining its core intent. Attempts at rapprochement, notably during the Obama administration, momentarily thawed relations, but the embargo remains a contentious issue in U.S. foreign policy discussions. As it stands, the trade embargo on Cuba not only altered the trajectory of the island's politics and economy but also symbolized the broader ideological conflict between capitalism and communism during the 20th century.