Cuban Missile Crisis- Events Flashcards
Why did Krushchev place missiles on Cuba?
NATO had missiles on Turkey (Krushchev could use missiles on Cuba as a bargaining tool).
What did a U2 spy plane discover on October 14th 1962?
It took pictures of what appeared to be missile sites being built (Some were very near to completion).
What worrying news was received by the Americans?
There was a fleet of Soviet ships sailing to Cuba, presumably carrying missiles for the new sites.
What did Kennedy decide to do on October 22nd 1962?
He decided to place a naval blockade around Cuba, whilst also preparing troops for a possible invasion of Cuba; furthermore he called on the USSR to remove their missiles from Cuba.
How did Krushchev respond to JFK?
He replied that there were no Soviet missiles on Cuba and that the USSR would ignore the blockade.
What happened when Soviet ships reached the naval blockade on October 24th 1962?
They turned back and did not attempt to break the blockade. However Soviet missiles still remained on Cuba though.
What offer was made by Krushchev in letter sent on October 26th 1962?
The USSR would remove their nuclear weapons if the USA lifted the blockade and promised not to invade Cuba (The USA was very happy with this).
What offer was made by Krushchev in letter sent on October 27th 1962?
The USSR would remove their nuclear weapons if the USA removed theirs from Turkey.
How did JFK react to the two letters?
On the same day he received the second letter, a U2 spy plane was shot down over Cuba. Kennedy responded only to the first letter, saying he agreed with it’s terms, but if the missiles were not removed an attack would follow. The president’s brother also informed the Soviet ambassador in Washington that the USA would also remove it’s missiles from Turkey.
