Cuban Missile Crisis Flashcards
How did the Missile Crisis begin
September 1961 Cuba asks the USSR for weapons to defend itself against further american intervention after the bay of pigs invasion in 1961
What did the USSR do that provoked the US
In july 1962 Khrushchev decided to put nuclear missiles in Cuba. Although he already had missiles that could reach the US, having them in Cuba ment that it could reach the US with little warning and eastern USA
How did the USA find out about the missiles
In october 14th 1962 american u2 spy planes spotted that nuclear missiles were being built in cuba
What ws kennedies plan to solve the missile crisis
President Kennedy demanded that Khrushchev dismantle the missile bases and ordered a naval blockade of Cuba on october 22nd. All Soviet ships were to be stopped and searched to prevent missiles being transported to the island.
As tensions grew, US bombers were put in the air
Caribbean Sea carrying nuclear bombs and the USA prepared to invade Cuba.
How did russia and america solve the crisis
On 27th October 1962, Khrushchev made a deal to
dismantle the missile bases in Cuba and ordered his
ships to turn around. In exchange the USA lifted
the blockade, promised to not invade Cuba - and
secretly agreed to remove their missiles from Turkey.
What benefits were there to the crisis
1963 a ‘hotline’ was established between moscow and washington
Nukes removed from cuba and turkey in 1963 secretely
Kennedy emerged as a hero who stood up against communism
Khrushchev was discredited as he failed in the publics eyes (although he got missiles removed from turkey). He resigned in 1964
What agreements were made following the crisis
The LIMITED TEST BAN TREATY 1963 - all tests has to be carried out underground to avoid pollution.
The OUTER SPACE TREATY 1967 - forbid countries from placing weapons in space
The NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION TREATY 1970 - no nukes would be to supplied to other countries, also encouraging nuclear disarment
