The Cuban Missile Crisis

Question 1

Castro’s victory in Cuba

Answer 1

K - Castro began to become loved in Russia. He had a strong relationship with Khrushchev.
K - Castro’s success led to America cutting trade with the country causing economical problems.
A+ - Brain drain in Cuba. Less able.
E - Castro’s victory in Cuba < American foreign policy. American actions justified the placement of missiles (need for Soviet support). If it wasn’t for American policy the relationship would not have been so strong.

Question 2

American Foreign Policy

Answer 2

K - Bay of Pigs invasion
K - Assassination attempts.
A+ Castro was encouraging the aggression to justify support.
E - Most Important. M.White author argue that the Bay of Pigs invasion was crucial. Russian intervention was a direct response.

Question 3

Khrushchev’s Domestic Position

Answer 3

K - Agricultural reform was in shambles.
K - China was having more influence in Cuba
A+ There was an element of danger meaning it could’ve worsened his domestic position.
E - Less important than American Foreign Policy. American Aggression made Khrushchev think his actions were justified. His domestic position wasn’t as important as without justification it would be ruthlessly aggressive.

Question 4

Khrushchev’s Miscalculations of Kennedy

Answer 4

K - Kennedy sick at vienna conference 1961
E - < American Foreign Policy. Kennedy actions proved that he had an aggressive anti-communist stance and that he would retaliate if Russia placed missiles on Cuba.

Question 5

The Arms Race

Answer 5

K - Massive strategic advantage in the Arms race.Nearly every major city.
A+ Jupiter missiles on Turkey were old and not a significant threat.
E - Quite important. In 1962 Kennedy said he felt justified to launch missiles against the Soviet Union.