Cuban missile crisis

• What was the Bay of Pigs incident?

  It was a failed invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles supported by the USA.
• Why did Kennedy oppose communism near the USA?

  He feared the spread of communism would threaten the USA.
• What strategy did Kennedy use to address the threat of Castro?

  He trained and sent Cuban exiles to overthrow Castro.
• What was a major reason for the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  The Cuban exiles had little military experience compared to the Cuban army.
• Why could the USA not help the Cuban exiles during the invasion?

  They were pretending not to be involved in the operation.
• What did Castro do in response to the invasion?

  He was tipped off and prepared for the Cuban exiles' arrival.
• What was the public perception of the USA after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion?

  The USA was publicly embarrassed as it was obvious they were behind the plot.
• What was one consequence of the Bay of Pigs incident for the USA's image?

  It showed that the USA was meddling in other countries' affairs.
• How did the Cuban people respond to Castro after the Bay of Pigs incident?

  They supported Castro, reinforcing his position.
• What was the impact of the Bay of Pigs incident on Cuba's relationship with the USSR?

  It led to a stronger relationship between Cuba and the USSR.
• What did Castro announce about Cuba after the Bay of Pigs incident?

  He officially declared Cuba as communist.
• What warning did Kennedy give to Khrushchev regarding Cuba?

  He warned him not to place nuclear weapons on Cuba.
• When did the Cuban Missile Crisis occur?

  It occurred in October 1962.
• What did the American U2 spy-plane discover on October 14, 1962?

  It discovered nuclear sites on Cuba.
• Why was Khrushchev placing nuclear weapons in Cuba?

  To counter US missile sites in Turkey and to appear strong.
• What was Kennedy's response to the threat of nuclear weapons in Cuba?

  He set up a naval blockade to prevent Soviet ships from reaching Cuba.
• What happened when Soviet ships reached the blockade set by Kennedy?

  They turned around and left.
• What did Khrushchev offer in his telegram to Kennedy?

  He would remove the missiles from Cuba if the US promised not to invade.
• What additional demand did Khrushchev make in his second telegram?

  He demanded the US remove their missiles from Turkey.
• What significant event occurred on the same day as the second telegram from Khrushchev?

  An American U2 spy-plane was shot down over Cuba.
• How did Kennedy respond to the military action suggested by his advisors after the spy-plane incident?

  He resisted the military action and chose diplomacy instead.
• What did Kennedy publicly accept regarding the first telegram from Khrushchev?

  He accepted the conditions to not invade Cuba.
• What was the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis for Kennedy and Khrushchev?

  Kennedy appeared strong while Khrushchev looked weak after withdrawing missiles.
• What were the consequences and importance of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  • Establishment of a direct hotline between Washington and Moscow
  • Improved relations despite the close call to war
  • Signing of the Test Ban Treaty in 1963
  • Signing of the Outer Space Treaty in 1967
  • Signing of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in 1968
  • Increased popularity for Kennedy as a strong leader
  • Khrushchev's withdrawal led to his dismissal in 1964
• When did Czechoslovakia become communist?

  It became communist in 1948.
• What were some reasons for opposition to communist rule in Czechoslovakia?

  There was a poor standard of living and lack of freedom of speech.
• What actions did the communist government take against opponents in Czechoslovakia?

  They carried out purges against any opponents under Stalin's orders.
• What was the Prague Spring?

  It was a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia in 1968.
• Who became the communist leader of Czechoslovakia in 1968?

  Alexander Dubcek became the leader.
• What reforms did Dubcek implement during the Prague Spring?

  He allowed criticism of the government and reduced control of industry.
• What freedoms were granted to the Czech people under Dubcek's reforms?

  They were given more freedom to travel abroad.
• What discussions took place regarding political parties in Czechoslovakia during Dubcek's leadership?

  There were discussions to allow other non-communist parties in Czechoslovakia.