Cuban Missile Crisis

• Who was the leader of the Cuban revolution against Batista?

  Fidel Castro
• Who was Che Guevara?

  Argentinian doctor

  socialist revolutionary

  helped Castro takeover Cuba
• What was Nikita Khrushchev's role in the USSR?

  He was the leader and keen to arm Cuba.
• Who was the youngest elected President of the USA?

  John F Kennedy
• What role did Robert Kennedy play during the missile crisis?

  He was instrumental in negotiations.
• What was Cuba's main export to the USA in the 20th century?

  Sugar
• Why did Castro believe Cuba was being exploited?

  Most industry was controlled by US companies.
• What did Castro want for Cuba?

  Independence from foreign influence.
• How did Castro view Batista's regime?

  He detested Batista's brutality.
• What was the outcome of Castro's guerilla war?

  He overthrew Batista in 1959.
• What did Castro do after becoming leader of Cuba?

  He nationalised industry.
• How did the US respond to Castro's actions?

  They became increasingly angry at him.
• What happened to trade between the US and Cuba?

  It slowed down and was eventually banned.
• What trade deal did Castro sign with the USSR?

  Oil and sugar for machinery.
• Who became Cuba's main trade partner?

  USSR
• When did Castro become a Communist?

  In 1961
• What was the CIA's plan regarding Cuba?

  To invade Cuba with Cuban exiles.
• What was the name of the CIA's invasion plan?

  The Bay of Pigs Fiasco
• What was the outcome of the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  It was an embarrassing failure for Kennedy.
• When did the Bay of Pigs invasion take place?

  17th April 1961
• How did Castro's reputation change after the Bay of Pigs?

  He became a hero to the Cuban people.
• What did Castro do after the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  He moved closer to the USSR.
• What significant event happened in February 1959?

  Fidel Castro became Head of Government.
• What happened in January 1961?

  The US broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba.
• What was announced by the USSR in May 1962?

  They were arming Cuba.
• What did U2 spy planes spot on 14th October 1962?

  Missile sites in Cuba.
• What decision did Kennedy make after spotting missile sites?

  He decided to blockade Cuba.

  (decision was made on 20th October 1962)
• When did Kennedy announce the blockade of Cuba?

  22nd October 1962
• What did Khrushchev announce regarding the US blockade?

  It would not be observed. (Khrushchev's first letter)
• When did the US naval blockade of Cuba begin?

  24th October 1962
• What did Kennedy receive from Khrushchev on 26th October 1962?

  A 2nd letter with a proposal - claiming the missiles in Cuba were purely defensive
• What did Khrushchev do on 27th October 1962?

  He sent a revised proposal to Kennedy (3rd letter) - he will remove Cuban Missiles if JFK removes missiles from Turkey. this is done in secret
• What was the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  It ended with a negotiated settlement.
• How did the Cuban Missile Crisis affect JFK's reputation?

  It enhanced his reputation in the US.
• What was one impact of the crisis on international relations?

  A hotline was installed between Moscow and Washington.

  Nuclear war was avoided

  1963 nuclear test ban treaty was signed
• What treaty was signed in 1963 as a result of the crisis?

  Nuclear test ban treaty.
• Impact for USA

  • Dismantling of nuclear weapons in Turkey
  • perceived victory for JFK in facing down Khrushchev enhanced his reputation in USA
  • communism still only 90 miles away
  • critics of containment wanted to invade Cuba but afetr the crisis it was proven that the risk would be too high
• Impact for USSR

  • Khrushchev managed to secure the removal of the Turkey Missiles but was still overthrown soon after
  • Cuba could remain a thorn in the US side (ally in 'Uncle Sam's Backyard')
• Impact for Cuba

  • Castro remained in power
  • Cuba stayed communist and continued to influence others in the area
  • Cuba was still backed by a world superpower
• What was the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  A failed **CIA-backed invasion** of Cuba in **1961** by Cuban exiles aiming to overthrow **Fidel Castro**.