cuban missile crisis

• What significant event in the 1960s is referred to as the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  The Cuban Missile Crisis
• Why is the Cuban Missile Crisis considered the tensest moment in the Cold War?

  Because it was the moment when nuclear war was closest to happening
• How far is Cuba from the coast of Florida?

  90 miles
• What geographical significance does Cuba have in relation to the United States during the Cold War?

  Cuba is located just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, making it a direct threat to the U.S.
• What were the main concerns for America regarding Cuba during the Cold War?

  • Cuba turning communist
  • Placement of missiles in Cuba
  • Threat to Florida and mainland America
• What historical event must be understood to grasp the context of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  The Cuban Revolution of 1959
• In what year did the USA help Cuba gain independence from the Spanish Empire?

  1898
• What was the outcome of American involvement in Cuba after its independence?

  American businessmen made huge investments and owned much of the land and industry
• Who came to power in Cuba in 1933 and dominated its politics for 25 years?

  Fulgencio Batista
• How did Batista's regime affect the political landscape in Cuba?

  It became a corrupt dictatorship with no elections and silenced opposition
• Who was Fidel Castro and what was his initial role in the Cuban Revolution?

  He was a young lawyer who called for revolution against Batista
• What happened to Castro after he called for revolution in 1953?

  He was imprisoned and then forced into exile in Mexico
• When did Castro return to Cuba to lead the revolution?

  December 1956
• What was the nickname of Castro's group during the revolution?

  Los Barbudos (the bearded ones)
• What type of warfare did Castro and his supporters use against Batista?

  Guerrilla warfare
• What was the outcome of the Cuban Revolution on January 1, 1959?

  Batista's regime collapsed and Castro declared a new Cuba
• How did Castro initially position himself after taking power?

  He avoided references to communism and focused on nationalism
• What action did Eisenhower take in response to Castro's policies?

  He froze all Cuban assets on American soil
• What significant changes did Castro implement in Cuba?

  He reorganized Cuba's economy, took businesses into state ownership, and introduced health reforms
• What was the longest-lasting foreign policy in American history as of 2018?

  The trade embargo on Cuba
• What were the key features of Castro's government after the revolution?

  • One-party state
  • Censorship of the press
  • Torture and execution of political opponents
  • Improved quality of life for many Cubans
• What major incident occurred involving President Kennedy and Cuba?

  President Kennedy decided to take action against Cuba.
• Why was Cuba a source of tension for the American government?

  Cuba had aligned itself with the Soviet Union and had fallen to communism.
• How far is Cuba from Florida?

  Cuba is 90 miles off the coast of Florida.
• What does the domino theory suggest regarding Cuba?

  The domino theory suggests that Cuba presents a risk of communism spreading in South America.
• How did Castro contribute to conflicts in other Latin American countries?

  Castro provided training and material to support guerrilla groups in other South American countries.
• What plan did the CIA create regarding Cuba?

  The CIA planned to train Cuban exiles to invade Cuba with US Air Force support.
• What was the intended outcome of the invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles?

  The invasion aimed to inspire other Cubans to join the fight against Castro.
• What was a critical flaw in the CIA's plan for the invasion?

  The plan relied on the assumption that ordinary Cubans would support the Americans over Castro.
• What legal issue did Kennedy face regarding the invasion of Cuba?

  It would be illegal under international law for America to intervene in a foreign country.
• What financial investment had the US military made before the invasion?

  The US military had spent five million dollars training the CIA exiles.
• What is the name of the invasion that took place on April 17, 1961?

  The invasion is called the Bay of Pigs invasion.
• What was the outcome of the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  The invasion was a total disaster, with many Cuban exiles captured or killed.
• How many Cuban exiles were killed during the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  200 Cuban exiles were killed during the invasion.
• How many Cuban exiles were captured during the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  1,198 Cuban exiles were captured during the invasion.
• What was the reaction of the Cuban people to the invasion?

  The Cuban people did not rise to support the invasion.
• What was the impact of the Bay of Pigs invasion on Kennedy's reputation?

  The invasion made Kennedy look weak and inexperienced.
• How did the Bay of Pigs invasion affect Castro's position?

  Castro claimed victory against a more powerful country but felt vulnerable to future invasions.
• What relationship did Castro seek after the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  Castro sought closer ties with the USSR for protection.
• What are the key events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis from 1960 to 1962?

  • Cuban Revolution
  • Bay of Pigs invasion
  • Increased tensions between the US and Cuba
  • Castro's alignment with the USSR
  • Near nuclear war moments