The Cuba

The Cuban Missile Crisis Overview

Introduction

  • The Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal moment in Cold War history, showcasing the dangers of nuclear proliferation and the tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.

News Reports

  • Date: October 2
      - Headline: "Kennedy Orders Blockade of Cuba as Reds Build Nuclear Bases There"
      - Significant actions taken included the decision to sink defiant arms ships and undertake naval searches of cargo crafts.
      - This event marked a critical turning point in U.S.-Cuba relations and global politics.

Context Before the Crisis

  • The Truman Doctrine: A U.S. foreign policy policy aimed at containing communism globally.

  • The Marshall Plan: U.S. initiative to aid Western Europe's economic recovery post World War II to prevent the spread of communism.

  • Containment: A strategic policy to prevent the expansion of Soviet influence and communism.

  • The Domino Theory: The belief that a political event in one country could trigger similar events in neighboring countries.

  • Berlin Blockade: An early Cold War confrontation between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, resulting in U.S. airlifting supplies to West Berlin.

  • The Berlin Wall: A physical manifestation of the divide between East and West, symbolizing the ideological conflict.

The Bay of Pigs Invasion

  • Event: Occurred in 1961 and was an unsuccessful U.S.-led attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime.

  • Planned and funded by the United States, executed by armed Cuban exiles.

  • Resulted in further deterioration of Cuba-U.S. relations, setting the stage for the Missile Crisis.

Chronology of the Cuban Missile Crisis

  • October 14: U-2 reconnaissance flight detects nuclear missile sites being installed in Cuba.

  • October 15: Confirmation of the presence of these missiles.

  • October 16-22: President Kennedy informed; EXCOMM (Executive Committee of the National Security Council) formed for urgent discussions.

  • October 22: Kennedy addresses the nation, announcing a naval blockade (termed "quarantine") of Cuba to prevent further shipments of missiles.

  • October 24: Naval quarantine begins, altering the course of many Soviet ships.

  • October 25: A Soviet ship challenges the blockade; however, it is allowed to pass. At the UN, U.S. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson confronts the Soviet ambassador, presenting photographic evidence of missile sites.

  • October 26: Soviets propose withdrawal of missiles in exchange for U.S. non-invasion promise.

  • October 27: Additional demands from the Soviets that U.S. withdraw missiles from Turkey; a U.S. plane is shot down, escalating tensions.

  • October 28: The USSR agrees to withdraw missiles from Cuba following negotiations.

Rationale for Krushchev’s Actions

  • Brinkmanship: A strategy of pushing dangerous events to the brink of active conflict to gain an advantageous outcome.

  • Missile Gap Closure: The Soviet Union aimed to close the disparity in missile capabilities with the United States, viewing their stockpile as inferior.

  • Protection of Cuba: Building relations with Castro’s regime was critical as Cuba was strategically located close to the U.S.

  • Reciprocity: The U.S. had missiles targeted at the Soviet Union, notably in Turkey, forming a basis for mutual negotiation.

U.S. Response Options

  • Resolution Passed: Prior to the crisis, Congress passed a resolution that the U.S. would not tolerate nuclear weapons in Cuba.

  • Escalation Ladder: A framework of potential U.S. actions against the missiles in Cuba, including:
      - Do Nothing
      - Go to the United Nations
      - Naval Blockade
      - Strategic Air strike
      - Full invasion of Cuba

Evaluation of Options

Do Nothing

  • Cons: Truman Doctrine principles, perceived U.S. weakness, potential for Soviet aggression elsewhere.

Go to the UN**

  • Pros: Good for diplomacy, enhances UN authority.

  • Cons: Lengthy process, lacks decisive action, veto power implications.

  • Decision: Considered good but not sufficient alone.

Naval Blockade**

  • Pros: A show of strength, less likely to provoke outright war.

  • Cons: Direct confrontation risk; sinking a ship could trigger war.

  • Decision: Preferred over strikes or invasion.

Strategic Airstrike**

  • Pros: Effective removal of missile threats.

  • Cons: Likely Soviet casualties; an act of war.

  • Decision: Seen as a secondary option but not preferred.

Invasion**

  • Pros: Secures Cuba, deters Soviet actions.

  • Cons: High risk of escalation into full war, significant casualties.

  • Decision: Considered too risky.

Conclusion of the Crisis

  • October 26: Soviets offer missile withdrawal in exchange for U.S. non-invasion promise.

  • October 27: Russia demands U.S. missiles in Turkey be removed in addition to Cuba's withdrawal demands.

  • Peak Tensions: Major U.S. reconnaissance plane shot down over Cuba, leading to heightened risk of conflict.

  • Kennedy's Response: Publicly accepts the first deal and privately negotiates regarding the Turkey missiles, indicating willingness for diplomacy but firmness in principle.

  • Outcome: Khrushchev orders withdrawal of missiles, marking a major de-escalation. Secretary of State Dean Rusk remarked, "We were eyeball to eyeball, and the other fellow just blinked."

  • Post-Crisis: Quarantine lifted by Kennedy on November 20, reflecting resolution of the immediate threat.