The Cuban Missile Crisis October 1962 Flashcards
Why did Khrushchev please missiles in Cuba?
– NATO had missiles on Cuba. Khrushchev could use missiles in Cuba as a bargaining tool.
-Khrushchev had looked weak over Berlin – Maybe he could reassert and prestige if He plays missiles on Cuba?
– Kennedy had looked weak over the Bay of pigs – the USSR could now take advantage of this to ensure that an invasion of Cuba did not happen again.
What did the U2 Spyplane discover on October 14, 1962?
It took pictures of what appeared to be missile sites being built – somewhere very near to completion!
What other worrying news was received by the Americans?
There was a fleet of Soviet ships sailing to Cuba, presumedly carrying more missiles for the new sites
What options were open to JFK?
He could choose one of the following: – Launch an astroid against the missile sites – launch an invasion on Cuba – use the promisee (including the UN) – set up the naval blockade around Cuba
What were the dangers of launching invasion in Cuba?
The missiles could be fired as soon as US troops landed on Cuban soil; Furthermore the USSR would probably launch an invasion of West Berlin
What are the dangers of launching an airstrike?
This would probably kill Soviet “Technicians “. And escalate the crisis; furthermore The USSR would probably launch an invasion on West Berlin
What did Jackie decide to do on October 22, 1962?
He decided to place a naval blockade around Cuba, whilst also preparing troops for possible invasion of Cuba; Furthermore he called on the USSR to remove their missiles from Cuba
How did Khrushchev Respond?
You applied there were no Soviet missiles on Cuba and that the USSR we didn’t know the blockade
What happened when Soviet ships reached the naval blockade on October 24, 1962?
They turned back and did not attempt to break the blockade: ‘Khrushchev just blinked!’
However Soviet missiles still remained on Cuba
What offer was made by Khrushchev In the letter sent on October 26?
The USSR would remove the 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 Khrushchev in the letter sent on October 27?
The USSR would remove the nuclear weapons if the USA removed theirs from Turkey
How did JFK react?
On the same day he received the second letter, U2 spy plane was shot down over Cuba. JFK responded only to the first letter, saying he agreed with his 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 US would remove its missiles from Turkey
