Cuban Missile Crisis Flashcards
What happened in the Cuban revolution? (1959)
The pro-America government was overthrown by an anti-America, pro-independence government led by Fidel Castro
How did the Americans respond to the Cuban revolution? (1959)
They banned the import of Cuban sugar (potentially bankrupting their economy)
What did the USSR do about the Cuban revolution?
Supported Castro with oil and trade (sugar), to help them kick out America and nationalise all companies. gave economic aid
Why was Khrushchev so delighted to be allied with Cuba?
They are very close to the USA and under there sphere of influence + communism was spreading outside the USA’s front door
What was the bay of pigs? (1961/2)
After the CIA failed to assassinate Castro, they staged an invasion as a Cuban revolution by training Cuban exiles and disguising planes as Cuban in order to put Batista back into power
Castro new of the attack, the bombs missed, the US were known to be involved, they were defeated.
Why was the bay of pigs such a disaster for the USA?
Ended hope of the USA having friendly talks
Castro officially declared himself communist
Was an embarrassment
Meant the USSR could use there military to ‘protect’ Cuba from the US and place missile bases in Cuba to prevent more invasion
Why was the missile bases in Cuba significant for the USSR?
They could now attack the USA accurately whenever they wanted. Balancing the USA’s presence in Turkey
What were the events of the ‘thirteen days’? (1962)
After Kennedy is informed about Khrushchev’s missiles in Cuba (by spy planes), he imposes a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent more -he calls Khrushchev to recall his ships (which he rejects)
As soviet ships approach, the closest turn around. Meanwhile the leaders are preparing for war
They play a game of chicken, asking and demanding each other to back down.
After Khrushchev receives intelligence that the USA are going to war within 24hours with Cuba, he proposes a deal: the USSR will withdraw if the USA promise never to invade Cuba, and withdraw missiles from Turkey (sent in the second message)
The USA accept but demand the withdraw from Turkey must remain secret
Khrushchev accepts
What were both Khrushchev’s and Kennedy’s advisors split into?
Hawks: wanted aggressive policy and begin nuclear war
Doves: wanted peace and recommended diplomatic strategies
What were the immediate consequences of the Cuban missile crisis? (1962/3)
Because Turkey was kept secret, Khrushchev appear to have backed down, thus lowering his authority
A hotline was created between the USSR and the USA for quick communications
The limited test ban treaty (some nuclear weapons banned from testing) - first step of nuclear control
Detente began (peace (ish))
What were the long term consequences of the Cuban missile crisis?
Soviets caught up in the arms race by 1965; created stability
MAD (mutually assured destruction) was realised
France left NATO so, in an event of war, they did not fight in it (began it’s own nuclear mission)
