Cuba flashcards

February 1962

The USA impose an embargo against Cuba. Concerned that Castro's Cuba was making money from exporting goods to the American market, Kennedy banned all trade with Cuba.

April 1962

America placed nuclear missiles in Turkey

July 1962

Soviet advisers tell Castro that America is planning another invasion of Cuba and he is advised to keep nuclear weapons on the island

July 1962

America begins military training exercises in the Caribbean, seen by some as preparation for another invasion

September 1962

First missiles arrive secretly in Cuba and reports start appearing in the USA of the missiles.

15th October 1962

Secret U2 spy planes take photographs of the missile launchers in Cuba. JFK is notified

22nd October

Kennedy announced discovery of missiles to the public and decision to quarantine the island. Also states that any missile launched from Cuba regarded as an attack on USA by USSR.

23rd October

Kennedy had air force prepare for attacks on Cuba and the USSR and ordered army to prepare 125000 soldiers to invade.

25th October

Kennedy raised military readiness to DEFCON 2; nuclear war was the next step

26th October

Khrushchev sends letter proposing removal of Soviet missiles and personnel if USA would guarantee not to invade Cuba

27th October

A U-2 spy plane is shot down over Cuba

28th October

Khrushchev announced return of missiles to USSR, trusting that USA would not invade Cuba