Cuban Missile Crisis Flashcards
Why did Khrushchev place missiles on Cuba ?
NATO had missiles on Turkey. Khrushchev could use missiles on Cuba as a bargaining tool
What did a U2 spy plane discover on October 1962 ?
It took pictures of what appeared to be missile sites being built - some were very near to completion
What other worrying news was received by the Americans ?
There was a fleet of soviet ships sailing to Cuba, presumably carrying more missiles for the new sites
What did JFK decide to do on October 22 1962 ?
He decided to place a navel blockade around Cuba, whilst also preparing troops for a possible invasion of Cuba, furthermore he called for the USSR to remove their ships from Cuba
How did Khrushchev respond to the navel blockade ?
He replied there were no Soviet missiles on Cuba and that USSR would ignore the blockade
What offer was sent by Khrushchev in the letter sent on October 26 ?
The USSR would remove their nuclear weapons if the USA would lift their blockade and promise not to invade Cuba
What offer was made by Khrushchev in the letter sent on October 27 ?
The USSR would remove their nuclear weapons if the USA removed theirs from Turkey
How did JFK react to the second letter ?
He ignored it and only responded to the 1st one saying he agrees to the terms but if the missiles were not removed an attack would follow. The presidents brother informed the soviet ambassador in Washington that the US would remove missiles in Turkey
