Cold War (Cuban Missile Crisis) Flashcards
(16 cards)
What event marked the turn of Cuba to communism?
Cuba turns communist in 1959 (Fidel Castro)
Fidel Castro’s rise to power led to the establishment of a communist government in Cuba.
What was the Bay of Pigs Invasion?
A failed invasion in 1961 by U.S.-backed exiles
The invasion was an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro and resulted in embarrassment for the USA.
What motivated the USSR regarding the missile gap?
The USSR wanted to close the missile gap due to US missiles in Turkey
The presence of U.S. missiles close to Soviet borders heightened tensions.
How close is Cuba to the USA?
Cuba is 90 miles from the USA
This proximity made Soviet missiles in Cuba a significant threat to U.S. national security.
What discovery prompted the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Discovery of missile sites by U-2 spy planes
U-2 reconnaissance flights revealed the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba.
What options did Kennedy have during the crisis?
Invasion, airstrike, blockade
Kennedy ultimately chose the blockade as a response to the missile crisis.
How long did the Cuban Missile Crisis last?
13-day standoff
The crisis was marked by heightened tensions and negotiations over a period of 13 days.
What were the two letters from Khrushchev about?
Different demands regarding the resolution of the crisis
The letters reflected the complexities of negotiations during the crisis.
What was the secret deal made during the crisis?
US removes missiles from Turkey quietly, Soviets withdraw from Cuba publicly
This deal helped to de-escalate the situation without direct confrontation.
What was established as a direct communication link after the crisis?
Direct hotline (Washington–Moscow)
The hotline was created to facilitate communication between the two superpowers and prevent future crises.
What treaty resulted from the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Test Ban Treaty (1963)
This treaty was the first step toward arms control following the crisis.
What did the Cuban Missile Crisis mark the start of?
Détente (relaxation in Cold War tensions)
The crisis led to a period of reduced hostilities between the USA and USSR.
How was Khrushchev perceived after the crisis?
Seen as weakened, removed from power in 1964
The outcome of the crisis contributed to Khrushchev’s loss of influence in the Soviet Union.
What was the impact of the crisis on Kennedy’s popularity?
Kennedy’s popularity increased in the West
His handling of the crisis was viewed favorably by the American public.
True or False: The Cuban Missile Crisis showed that both superpowers wanted to avoid nuclear war.
True
Both the USA and USSR recognized the catastrophic potential of nuclear conflict.
What did the crisis demonstrate about ideology and power politics?
Nearly led to disaster
The tensions highlighted how ideological differences and power struggles can escalate conflicts.
