Cuban Missile Crisis Flashcards
What happened on 14 October 1962?
An American U-2 spy-plane took pictures of what seemed to be launch pads for medium-range ballistic missiles.
Why would Khrushchev place nuclear weapons in Cuba?
1)In response to NATO having missiles based in Turkey, just a short distance from Soviets. 2) It would restore his prestige. 3)If the Americans overthrew Castro, this would be seen as another defeat for communism
What 3 options was JFK thinking about doing against Cuba?
Invade Cuba?
Bomb Cuban missile site?
Sink soviet ships as they approach Cuba?
When was the thirteen days?
16th-28th October 1962
What was the thirteen days
Kennedy called together an executive committee (ExComm) to discuss how the USA should react. ExComm met every day for thirteen days.
After the thirteen days discussion how did Kennedy respond?
Kennedy decided not to launch an attack. Instead he set up a naval blockade around Cuba. No ships would be allowed through without permission.
How did Kennedy prepare for when the blockade took place?
Kennedy was aware of a war threat so prepared 54 bombers, each with four nuclear warheads.
What happened on 24th October?
The Soviet ships reached the blockade and turned around.
What was Khrushchev’s first telegram? When?
On 26th October, Khrushchev sent Kennedy a telegram offering to remove missiles in Cuba if US didn’t invade.
What was Khrushchev’s second telegram? When?
Before Kennedy could respond to the first Khrushchev said he would remove the missiles in Cuba if US missiles in Turkey were removed.
How did Kennedy respond?
He ignored the second telegram and agreed to not invade Cuba in return for the dismantle of the missiles. On 28th October, Khrushchev agreed.
What was kept secret about this deal?
Kennedy’s brother, Robert had met the Soviet ambassador in Washington the day before and agreed to remove the Turkish missiles.
What 4 steps were taken as a consequence of the Cuban missile crisis?
- Hotline
- Test ban treaty
- The outer space treaty
- Nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
What was ‘hotline’
In June 1963 a direct communications line was set up between Washington and Moscow (hotline)
What was the Test Ban Treat?
In August 1963, a test ban treaty was signed by the US, Soviets and GB. Agreeing to prohibit the testing of nuclear weapons in outer space, underwater, atmosphere
