Cuban Missiles Crisis 1962

Question 1

What was the Cuban Revolution?

Answer 1

In January 1959, Fidel Castro led a group of rebels to the top of the Cuban government, which was dictated by general Batista. Castro promised the impoverished land and education.

Question 2

Why were the US concerned?

Answer 2

The US thought they had Communism right on their doorstep, due to their close proximity to Cuba, and American bussiness owners had invested heavily in Cuba meaning large ammounts of the country were controlled by the US.

Question 3

What areas of tension were created?

Answer 3

• The Americans reluctantly recognised the new government but refused to send them aid
• May 1959 - the Cuban goverment took control of foreignly owned land
• February 1960 - Castro reached an agreement to trade sugar for arms with the USSR

Question 4

What was the Bay of Pigs Invasion?

Answer 4

In April 1960, the US sent 1400 Cuban exiles to Cuba in the hope they would topple the government. JFK was told it would be easy, however, it resulted in humiliation for the US.

Question 5

Why did the Bay of Pigs invasion fail?

Answer 5

• Castro and Cuba were fully prepared for the invasion
• The US cancelled the air support and scaled down the bombing
• There were only 1400 Cuban exiles who invaded

Question 6

What were the consequences of the Invasion?

Answer 6

• Castro considered the revolution “Socalist”
• Cuba become closer to the USSR and began asking them for help defending the country
• The US were humiliated and widely condemned for supporting an armed revolution on Cuba - it marked a bad start to Kennedy’s presidency
• Krushchev claimed that this showed the popularity of Communism

Question 7

What happened on the “13 days”?

Answer 7

• October 16 - ExComm called together to discuss how the US should react to the Soviets putting missiles on Cuba.
• October 22 - Kennedy decided to set up a naval blockade around Cuba
• October 24 - Soviets reached the blockade and turned around
• October 26 - Krushchev sent Kennedy a telegram offering to remove Cuban missiles IF the US promised not to invade
• October 27 - Krushchev sent a second telegram asking Kennedy to remove missiles in Turkey
  - An American plane was shot down over Cuba
• October 28 - Kennedy agreed to the first telegram, and his brother Robert secretly met the Soviets ambassador agreeing to the second telegram.

Question 8

What were the consequences?

Answer 8

• August 1963 - Test Ban Treaty signed which placed limits on nuclear testing
• 1967 - Outer Space Treaty signed
• 1968 - Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty signed to stop the spread of nuclear technology
• A hotline was set up between Washington and Moscow