the cuban missile crisis- October 1962.

Question 1

Why did Khrushchev place missiles on Cuba?

Answer 1

• NATO had missiles on Turkey. Khrushchev could use missiles on Cuba as a bargaining tool.

Question 2

What did a U2 spy plane discover on October 14 1962?

Answer 2

It took pictures of what appeared to be missile sites being built – some were very near to completion!

Question 3

What other worrying news was received by the Americans?

Answer 3

There was a fleet of Soviet ships sailing to Cuba, presumably carrying more missiles for the new sites

Question 4

What did JFK decide to do on October 22 1962?

Answer 4

He decided to place a naval blockade around Cuba, whilst also preparing troops for a possible invasion of Cuba; furthermore he called on the USSR to remove their missiles from Cuba

Question 5

How did Khrushchev respond?

Answer 5

He replied there were no Soviet missiles on Cuba and that the USSR would ignore the blockade

Question 6

What happened when Soviet ships reached the naval blockade on October 24 1962?

Answer 6

They turned back and did not attempt to break the blockade: ‘Khrushchev just blinked!’ However Soviet missiles still remained on Cuba

Question 7

What offer was made by Khrushchev in the letter sent on October 26?

Answer 7

The USSR would remove their nuclear weapons if the USA lifted the blockade and promised not to invade Cuba – the USA was very happy with this!

Question 8

What offer was made by Khrushchev in the letter sent on October 27?

Answer 8

The USSR would remove their nuclear weapons if the USA removed theirs from Turkey

Question 9

How did JFK react?

Answer 9

On the same day he received the second letter, a U2 spy plane was shot down over Cuba. JFK responded only to the first letter, saying he agreed with its terms, but if the missiles were not removed and attack would follow. The President’s brother also informed the Soviet ambassador in Washington that the US would remove its missiles from Turkey