Section 5 - Cuba Flashcards
What advantage did the USSR have in the arms race in 1961?
Bigger army so if there was a fighting war, Soviets would have a huge advantage.
What advantage did the USA have in the arms race in 1961?
More nuclear submarines and submarine launch missiles.
USA could get close to Russia and hide.
When was the Cuban revolution?
1959
Key features of the Cuban revolution
Cuba’s pro-american government (Batista) was overthrown.
New regime led by Fidel Castro who wanted greater independence from USA:
-took over American property in Cuba
-ejected all US businesses
How did the USA retaliate to the Cuban revolution?
By refusing to buy sugar, Cuba’s biggest export.
What did Cuba do after USA stopped trading?
Turned to USSR for help.
Khrushchev offered economic aid to Cuba.
What did Eisenhower believe was the best way to solve the problem in Cuba?
Assassinate Castro.
What was Kennedy’s new plan to solve the problem in Cuba?
A CIA backed revolution to overthrow Cuba’s communist government.
What was Kennedy’s plan for the Bay of Pigs?
Kennedy believed that Castro’s government was unpopular.
When small, well-trained force attacked Cuban government, JFK thought that Cubans would join in and overthrow Castro.
Key features of the Bay of Pigs
CIA trained and equipped a group of Cuban refugees who supported Batista.
When they invaded the Bay of Pigs, Cubans fought in support of Castro.
When was the Bay of Pigs?
17th April 1961
Results of Bay of Pigs
Castro felt vulnerable and feared another American attack.
August 1961 - Khrushchev decided to station Russian nuclear weapons on Cuban soil.
USSR had many medium-range missiles so now had a huge advantage.
USA and USSR were no longer equal.
What were Kennedy’s choices in Cuban Missile Crisis?
Do nothing. Get UN to negotiate. Blockade Cuba. Surgical strike on missile bases. Invade Cuba.
Who were the ‘hawks’?
Kennedy and Khrushchev’s advisors who, on both sides wanted an aggressive policy.
Who were the ‘doves’?
Kennedy and Khrushchev’s advisors who, on both sides advised caution, recommending diplomatic strategies, which they felt offered the best chance of peace.
When and how was Kennedy informed of Khrushchev’s plans of nuclear missiles on Cuba?
16th October 1962
Photos from spy planes.
How did Kennedy react to Cuban Missiles?
He imposed a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent further missiles reaching it.
When did Kennedy impose the naval blockade?
20th October 1962
What did Kennedy do on the 22nd October 1962?
Gave public address officially declaring blockade and calling on Khrushchev to withdraw ships.
What happened on 23rd October 1962?
Khrushchev sends a letter to Kennedy stating that Soviet ships would break through blockade.
24th October 1962
Khrushchev issues a statement that USSR were prepared to launch nuclear weapons if USA went to war.
25th October 1962
US and Soviet armed forces were on highest level of alert and were told to prepare for war.
Kennedy wrote to Khrushchev asking him to withdraw missiles from Cuba.
26th October 1962
Khrushchev responded to letter saying that he would withdraw missiles in return for guarantee that USA would not invade Cuba.
27th October 1962
Khrushchev received intelligence that USA was planning to invade Cuba in 24 hours and responded by proposing a deal that USSR would withdraw Cuban missiles if USA agreed not to invade AND withdrew missiles from Turkey.
Robert Kennedy approached Russian ambassador accepting Khrushchev’s deal but demanded it to be kept secret.
28th October 1962
Khrushchev accepts deal.
What was the hotline and when was it set up?
June 1963
A direct communications link set up between American President and Russian Premier.
What was the test ban treaty and when was it agreed?
July 1963
USA and USSR agreed to ban the testing of all nuclear weapons in space, in the sea and above ground. Underground tests were still permitted.
