Cuban Missile Crisis Flashcards
What was the cause of the crisis?
July 1962, Khrushchev visits Fidel Castro’s brother Raul and agrees to place medium range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads in Cuba. Justified as response to Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. October 16-17 – U2 plane captures missiles with 1600km capability.
How did the USSR assure the US there would not be an attack on it?
USSR 11,000km from Cuba with weak sea and air communications, attack against US unthinkable.
When was quarantine introduced?
22 October 1962 – Kennedy announces blockade of Cuba. Khrushchev encouraged ships with military cargo to turn around and Kennedy allowed safe ships through the quarantine.
What was Khrushchev’s first letter?
Khrushchev initially sent hostile messages but stopped as he heard of threat of US invasion to Cuba, on 26 Oct wrote a letter requesting US don’t invade in return for removal of Soviet missiles.
On 27th October 1962 how was the crisis resolved?
On 27th October he felt he had given way to nerves and requested US remove Jupiter missiles from Turkey. Kennedy replied to first letter and ensured American missiles would be withdrawn. US replaced them with more effective nuclear rockets launched by submarines.
How did Cuba become a burden for the USSR?
US stopped plots to oust and assassinate Fidel Castro. By the 1980s, the USSR paid $4.5 billion to Cuba for sugar not needed annually as the US stopped oil exports and stopped buying sugar.
How did Sino-Soviet relations worsen?
Sino-Soviet relations worsened with Chinese criticism. Summit in July 1963 led to Chinese leaving discussion.
When was Khrushchev ousted?
In October 1964 Alexei Kosygin replaced Khrushchev, ousted by Leonid Brezhnev.
What were positive consequences of the crisis?
Crisis hotline between Moscow and Washington, test ban treaty of 1963 banning testing of nuclear weapons in atmosphere, space, and underwater gained 77 nations support by September 1963, and détente pursued. Acceptance of situation to maintain security at expense of progress.
