Cuban Missile crisis

• Castro


  After he secures power, changes Cuba<|>Made speeches in USA saying he was willing to work with America<|>Completely reorganised Cuba, taking businesses and industries into state ownership<|>Executed opponents<|>Health reforms for Cubans - made him popular<|>Americans sent out of Cuba
• Castro's policies


  Caused concern in Washington
• Castro


  Turns to the USSR for support
• USA


  Refused to trade with Cuba, angry at USSR being allies
• Bay of Pigs Invasion

  USA were worried that a communist country could emerge in Cuba<|>Planned to remove Castro while appearing to not be involved (plausible deniability)<|>Armed Cuban rebels (400) exiled from Cuba for opposing Castro<|>The exiles would land in Cuba at the Bay of Pigs<|>The hope was this would start a general uprising against Castro
• • All the exiles are killed or captured
  • No uprising against Castro (too popular)
• Hawks vs Doves in politics

  Hawks favour strong military action<|>Doves favour negotiation and peace
• JFK


  Young and inexperienced as president<|>Favours negotiation over military action
• Cuban Missile Crisis Nov 1962 (13 Days)


  1. Nuclear weapons are placed on Cuba

  2. They need a few days to be ready to fire
• Cuba is 90 miles from Florida, a missile launched from Cuba could reach major cities within 5 minutes, not giving the USA time to respond
• 80 million could be killed in 5 minutes, destroy bomber bases
• 10-14 days for the missiles to be ready to launch
• USA


  Agree they must remove the missiles, can't do nothing as it gives Russia power and makes JFK look weak
• Kennedy's Response


  1. Created a naval blockade to stop Soviet ships bringing more weapons to Cuba

  2. Made the crisis public, forcing tension between the Soviets and America

  3. Told the Soviets not to cross the line, as it would mean war
• Kennedy assembles ExComm (Executive Committee) to discuss an invasion of Cuba
• Over 20,000 US troops assembled in Florida ready
• Khrushchev backs down, agrees to remove Cuban missiles if America promises not to invade Cuba
• End of Cuban Missile Crisis