The Cuban Missile Crisis

When did the U-2 spy plane take pictures of missile launch pads in Cuba?

14 October 1962.

What was discovered on Cuba that could destroy U.S. cities?

Medium-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

What did US intelligence discover about Soviet ships on their way to Cuba?

The ships were presumed to be carrying missiles to Cuba.

How long did the USA have until the missiles in Cuba became operational?

In two weeks.

Why couldn’t Kennedy allow missiles in Cuba?

They posed a threat to U.S. cities, and a military response risked all-out war (M.A.D)

What did Kennedy do on 16 October 1962?

He called an Executive Committee (ExComm) to discuss solutions to the crisis.

What were the two main groups in the ExComm meeting?

‘Hawks’ (who wanted military action) and ‘Doves’ (who wanted a peaceful solution).

What action did Kennedy take on 22 October 1962?

He imposed a naval blockade around Cuba.

What happened on 24 October 1962?

Soviet ships reached the blockade and turned around.

What did Khrushchev offer in his telegram on 26 October 1962?

To remove Soviet missiles from Cuba if the U.S. agreed not to invade.

What additional condition did Khrushchev send on 27 October 1962?

He would remove missiles from Cuba only if U.S. missiles in Turkey were removed.

What happened to the U-2 spy plane on 27 October 1962?

It was shot down over Cuba.

How did Kennedy respond to Khrushchev's second telegram on 27 October 1962?

He ignored it and agreed to the first telegram offering missile removal from Cuba.

What secret agreement was made by Robert Kennedy regarding the Turkish missiles?

He secretly agreed to remove U.S. missiles from Turkey.

What did the Cuban Missile Crisis demonstrate about international relations?

The dangers of brinkmanship and the need for more peaceful solutions.

What communication system was set up in June 1963 to improve US-USSR relations?

A ‘hotline’ for direct communication between U.S. and Soviet leaders.

What was the Test Ban Treaty of August 1963?

It banned nuclear testing in outer space, underwater, or in the atmosphere.

What did the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 establish?

It banned the placement of nuclear weapons into orbit.

What did the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1968 prohibit?

It prohibited nuclear powers from sharing their technology with other countries

What broader effect did the Cuban Missile Crisis have in the long run?

It contributed to the détente of the 1970s, encouraging more peaceful solutions.