1960s

Question 1

Bay of Pigs

Answer 1

1961
CIA arrange for 1500 anti-Castro exhiles to land in Cuba and overthrow Castro. They were met by Soviet troops. This was a disaster for Kennedy and reinforced the view that he was a politically vulnerable leader who was easy to manipulate.

Question 2

Berlin Wall

Answer 2

1961
Many people had been leaving East Berlin for West Berlin. First part of 1961, 10,000 people migrated. They were skilled workers who would have been able to contribute to East Germany’s economic growth. Walter Ulbricht, East German chancellor, persuaded Krushchev to take action. Gave US a Propaganda tool, GDR’s economic issues were solved, inaction of West and appeared tolerance to Wall suggested it recognised GDR.

Question 3

Cuban Missile Crisis

Answer 3

1962
Caused by Superpower tension (e.g Arms Race, Berlin Wall), Castro’s Cuba (threatened US, 1960 Trade Agreement with USSR so USA stopped trading) and Bay of Pigs. Kennedy decided on a Naval blockade Cuba and US bosses were put on max alert in preparation for possible military strike. Krushchev sent telegram 1, he would remove missiles if US agreed not to invade Cuba, telegram 2, demanding for Turkish Missile removal. Kennedy ignored 2nd letter, responded to 1st and his brother agreed to remove the Turkish missiles. Led to more awareness about dangers of nuclear war.

Question 4

‘Hot Line’ Telephone Link between USA and USSR

Answer 4

1963

Meant that they could talk more directly in a crisis. Result of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Question 5

Moscow Test Ban Treaty

Answer 5

1963
Signed by GB, USA, USSR. Cuban Missile Crisis showed that there needed to be some control created over Nuclear arms race. Banned tests in atmosphere, outer space and under water.

Question 6

Operation Mongoose

Answer 6

Authorised 1961
Aim was to overthrow Castro and his regime. Used Covert Operations within Cuba to facilitate anti-Castro revolt from within.