Cuba

• What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  One of the most serious Cold War crises. It happened because the USSR placed missiles in Cuba and was the closest the world had been to a possible nuclear war.
• When was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  It lasted for 13 days, from 14th to 28th October, 1962
• Why did the Cuban Missile Crisis happen?

  The long-term deterioration of the relationship between the USA and Cuba, accelerated by the Cuban Revolution in 1959 and the Bay of Pigs incident in 1961.
• Why did the Cuban Missile Crisis happen?

  Fidel Castro had declared himself a Marxist in December 1961.
• Why did the Cuban Missile Crisis happen?

  Khrushchev was concerned about the missile gap and the fact the USA had nuclear missiles based in Turkey which could easily reach the USSR.
• What was the immediate cause of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  The deployment of Soviet nuclear missiles to Cuba for protection against possible attack by the USA. Cuba is only 160km south of Florida, which meant the mainland was within range of any missiles placed on Cuba. The USA therefore felt threatened.
• What happened on 14th October?

  American U2 spy planes spotted missile bases being built on Cuba.
• What happened on 16th October?

  Kennedy was informed of the missile build-up and Ex-Comm, an advisory group, was formed.
• What happened on 20th October?


  Kennedy decided to blockade Cuba. This was a 500 mile naval 'quarantine' with the aim of preventing the Soviets from bringing in further military supplies or missiles.
• What happened on 24th October?

  Khrushchev stated the USSR would launch nuclear missiles if America went to war in Cuba.
• What happened on 26th October?

  Kennedy received a letter from Khrushchev who offered to negotiate if the blockade was removed and the USA did not invade Cuba.
• What happened on 27th October?

  Kennedy received a second letter from Khrushchev which offered to remove the missiles if the USA removed its missiles in Turkey.
• What did Bobby Kennedy do?

  He negotiated with the Russian ambassador and accepted the offer on condition the removal of missiles from Turkey was kept secret.
• When did Khrushchev agree to dismantle the nuclear missiles on Cuba?

  28th October 1962
• What was a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  Cuba survived as a communist country
• What was a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  Kennedy assured the world that he would never invade Cuba, improving his public image
• What was a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  The USSR looked weak, the world didn't know that the USA had to remove its missiles from Turkey, they just saw the USSR removing its missiles. Khrushchev then lost power and was dismissed in 1964.
• What was a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  The USA's NATO allies in Europe were horrified because they had not been consulted. France reacted by leaving NATO in 1966.
• How did the crisis affect the relationship between the USA and USSR?

  The relationship had deteriorated almost to the brink of nuclear war, so Kennedy wanted to focus more on the two nations' 'common interests'.

  
  

  A hotline was set up in June 1963 between the USA and the USSR. This would help avoid crises by enabling direct and quick communication.

  
  

  Because it almost led to nuclear war, both countries worked to improve their relationship and slow down the arms race.
• What nuclear treaties were signed after the Cuban Missile Crisis?

  • 1963 - the Limited Test Ban Treaty banned the testing of nuclear weapons in air or underwater.
  • 1967 - the Outer Space Treaty banned testing or using nuclear weapons in space.
  • 1968 - the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty stated the ultimate goal was world nuclear disarmament.