2.2 - The Cuban Missile Crisis Flashcards
When did the Cuban Revolution occur? Who instigated it?
- 1959
- A group of revolutionaries, led by Fidel Castro toppled a pro-American government
How did the USA initially react to the Cuban Revolution?
It increased tension as the US had heavily invested in Cuba and the new leader (Castro) was nationalist and did not want his country’s economy to be controlled by the USA.
What was the aftermath of the revolution?
There were three main areas of tension:
- US refused to provide economic aid to Cuba unless they followed guidelines set out by International Monetary Fund.
- In May 1959, Cuban government took over all land owned by foreign nationals.
- Castro had begun appointing communists and in Feb 1960 he made an agreement with the Soviet Union where they would buy Cuban sugar and provide economic aid.
- There was also a secret clause saying Cuba would receive arms from the Soviets.
What did the USA do as tension built up between them and Cuba?
• October 1960 banned all trade with Cuba
• USA broke off all diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961
Describe the “Bay of Pigs” incident.
• Kennedy (took over from Eisenhower in 1961) did not want a Communist ally so close to American territory.
• He gave support to a plan agreed by the CIA.
• On April 1961 an invasion force of 1,400 Cuban exiles landed on the “Bay of Pigs” in Cuba.
• The coup was a failure and the Cuban exiles were killed or imprisoned.
Why was the “Bay of Pigs” invasion a failure?
• Volunteers inexperienced (only had a little training from the CIA) compared to the experienced Cuban revolutionary army.
• USA couldn’t support the attack with US ground forces or air strikes as they wanted to present the attack as a Cuban effort.
• Castro’s government found out about the invasion plans and had 20,000 soldiers ready.
• USA assumed Cubans would support them however they did not as they were happy with Castro’s reigime.
What was the effects of the “Bay of Pigs” invasion on international relations?
• Humiliating failure for the US.
• Lead to stronger relations between Cuba and USSR. In 1961, Khrushchev publicly announced he would supply arms for Cuba.
• Kennedy was extremely concerned about this as Cuba would have modern military equipment and training from Soviet experts.
- Soviets quick to point out people of Cuba prefer pro-communist Castro compared to the pro-American and corrupt Batista reigime.
Describe what occurred at the beginning of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
• On October 1962, an American U2 spy plane captured photos of what seemed to be launch pads for ballistic missiles.
• Kennedy was also informed of a fleet of Soviet ships presumably carrying the missiles themselves.
Why did Khrushchev take the highly provocative step of bringing missiles to Cuba?
• NATO had missiles in Turkey, which was just a short distance away from the Soviet Union, therefore Khrushchev believed it was time for the US to feel under threat.
• To restore prestige; if he outwitted Kennedy due to his recent failures (the Berlin Wall), it would restore his prestige.
• If Americans overthrew Castro it would be seen as another defeat for Communism.
• Would make a huge political difference.
What were the three reasons Kennedy took action against Khrushchev’s highly provocative move?
• Democratic party would do badly if he didn’t stand up to Khrushchev.
• Nuclear missiles in Cuba from the USSR would be a huge blow to the USA’s pride.
• Negotiations over Berlin would get tougher if Khrushchev thinks he can push the USA around.
Describe the beginning of the Thirteen Days (where tension was highest).
16 October (1962) - Called together an Executive Committee (Excomm) to discuss how the USA should react.
22 October (1962) - Kennedy decided not to launch an attack and instead set up a naval blockade around Cuba. If the blockade was ignored and war followed Kennedy was prepared.
24 October (1962) - Soviet ships reached the blockade and turned around
Describe what happened after the blockade during the Thirteen Days.
- Soviet decision not to break through the blockade meant direct confrontation had been avoided.
- 26 October (1962) - Khrushchev sent Kennedy a telegram offering to remove missiles from Cuba if the Americans agreed not to invade.
- 27 October (1962) - Another telegram was sent saying Khrushchev would remove the missiles only if US missiles in Turkey were also removed. Kennedy ignored the second telegram and agreed to the first.
- 28 October (1962) - Khrushchev sent his agreement.
We now know that Kennedy secretly removed the missiles from Turkey.
4 important steps Khrushchev and Kennedy took after the crisis.
June 1963 - Direct communications line
August 1963 - Test Ban Treaty
1967 - Outer Space Treaty
1968 - Nuclear Non - Proliferation Treaty
What was the Test Ban Treaty?
Made in August 1963, it was signed by the USA, USSR and GB. It agreed to prohibit the testing of nuclear weapons in outer space, underwater or in the atmosphere. Important step towards control of nuclear weapons.
What was the Outer Space Treaty?
Made in 1967, in this treaty the US and Soviet Union agreed not to use space for military purposes.
