The Embargo Begins In response to Castro's political and economic machinations against the U.S., Kennedy signed embargoes on exports to Cuba (excluding food and medicine for humanitarian causes). At the time, Kennedy's move was enforced by the Trading with the Enemy Act (1917) and the Foreign Assistance Act (1961).

The Embargo Begins In response to Castro's political and economic machinations against the U.S., Kennedy signed embargoes on exports to Cuba (excluding food and medicine for humanitarian causes). At the time, Kennedy's move was enforced by the Trading with the Enemy Act (1917) and the Foreign Assistance Act (1961).