Cuban Missiles Crisis - Cold War

Question 1

Why did the USSR send missiles to cuba?

Answer 1

• USSR were annoyed that the USA had missile bases in the UK and Turkey that could bomb its cities, they wanted to be able to retaliate against the USA
• Cuba saw Soviet missiles as a great way to prevent the USA from invading them again.
• Both countries were Communist and so were natural allies against capitalist USA
• In September 1962 Soviet ships carried nuclear warheads and missiles to Cuba

Question 2

What was the key events of the missiles crisis called?

Answer 2

The 13 days

Question 3

Who was the current president of America in 1962?

Answer 3

John F Kennedy

Question 4

Who was the USSR leader in 1962?

Answer 4

Kruschev

Question 5

16th October 1962

Answer 5

Kennedy calls the excomm to discuss how the US would react to Cuba and the USSR

Question 6

22nd October 1962

Answer 6

Kennedy decides to not launch an attack on Cuba but sets up a naval blockade (sea blockade)

Question 7

24th October 1962

Answer 7

Soviet ships reached the blockade but instead of initiating an attack they turned around

Question 8

26th October 1962

Answer 8

Kruschev sent Kennedy a telegram saying he would remove missiles from Cuba if the US doesn’t invade

Question 9

27th October 1962

Answer 9

Kruschev added an extra condition that he would remove missiles only if missiles in Turkey were also removed - On the same day the US U-2 plane was shot down over Cuba. The Hawks demanded military action but JFK refused

Question 10

28th October 1962

Answer 10

Kruschev sends his agreement but US ignored second telegram and replied to the first saying they would not invade Cuba if missiles removed

( It later became apparent later that a secret agreement was made about Turkey missiles with Bobby Kennedy )

Question 11

Consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis

Answer 11

• United States secretly removed all of its nuclear missiles from Turkey
• The establishment of a ‘hotline’ telephone link in June 1963
• August 1963 a Test Ban Treaty placed limits for the the first time on nuclear testing
• Outer Space treaty signed in 1967. USA and USSR agreed not to use space for military purposes

Question 12

What are the Hawks and doves? (Cold war)

Answer 12

Kennedy’s advisors that were divided.On one side there were the hawks who wanted to attack Cuba whilst on the other hand here were the Doves who wanted to negotiate with the Soviets