Cuban Missile Crisis Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How did the NATO alliance and Warsaw Pact affect the Cuban Missile Crisis?

There were certain rules you had to follow to declare proper war.

Explain the pressure Khrushchev and Kennedy witnessed during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Each leader was criticized for every move they made. This stressed out themselves and their families.

How is Cuba used in the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The reason Russia put missiles in Cuba was because the U.S. put missiles in Turkey aiming at Russia.

How is Turkey used in the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The reason Russia put missiles in Cuba was because the U.S. put missiles in Turkey aiming at Russia. Signup and view all the answers

How would you describe JFK?

JFK always thought about his decisions and did what was best for America. Signup and view all the answers

Give a summary about the Cuban Missile Crisis. Make sure to include key points, causes, and effects on both sides.

The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest the world came to a nuclear war. It was a conflict between the Communists versus the Capitalists, mainly the United States versus the Soviet Union and Cuba. It all started when America sent a U-2 spy plane to check on Cuba and spotted what seemed to be a Russian missile base. President Kennedy confronted the Soviet Union to demand the removal of missiles. The U.S. put soldiers on high alert and set up a blockade. Khrushchev sent letters proposing the removal of missiles from Cuba in exchange for the U.S. not invading Cuba and removing missiles from Turkey. This conflict occurred over thirteen days. Signup and view all the answers

What did Robert Kennedy advocate for doing about the missiles in Cuba and why?

Robert Kennedy advocated that a blockade of American ships be formed to prevent shipments of the Soviet Union's nuclear weapons to Cuba. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between offensive and defensive weapons.

Offensive weapons are used to directly strike an enemy, while defensive weapons are used to intercept or neutralize enemy attacks. Signup and view all the answers

Why might the Soviet Union feel justified in putting offensive weapons in Cuba? What did Khrushchev outline as his reasons in his emotional letter to Kennedy? List at least 3 reasons.

The Soviet Union felt justified because the U.S. had missiles in Turkey aimed toward Russia. Three reasons outlined by Khrushchev were: 1) The U.S. had missiles in Turkey aimed toward Russia, 2) Putting missiles in Cuba made communists feel safe, and 3) The Soviet Union wanted to show their power to the world. Signup and view all the answers

Before the letter, describe the position that Ambassador Dobrynin and the Soviet Foreign Minister took in the meetings with U.S. officials. What did they say they were doing in Cuba? Name at least two specific things.

Dobrynin and the Soviet Foreign Minister stated that they were giving money to Cuba for food and supplies for the people. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

NATO and Warsaw Pact Impact

NATO and Warsaw Pact influenced military strategies and alliances during the crisis.
Rules of engagement for war declaration were crucial in managing tensions.

Leadership Pressures

Both Khrushchev and Kennedy faced intense criticism from their respective nations.
Personal stress impacted their families due to the high stakes of the crisis.

Role of Cuba

Soviet placement of missiles in Cuba was a counter to U.S. missiles in Turkey.
Cuba was unable to freely act, being caught in the geopolitical struggle.

Role of Turkey

U.S. missiles in Turkey were aimed at Russia, prompting Soviet response by placing missiles in Cuba.

Description of JFK

Kennedy was considered thoughtful and focused on making decisions beneficial to America.

Overview of the Cuban Missile Crisis

The crisis was the closest the world approached nuclear war between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
Initiated by U-2 spy planes discovering missile installations in Cuba.
Kennedy ordered a quarantine to prevent further missile shipments and demanded missile removal.
Khrushchev's agreement depended on U.S. non-invasion promise and removal of U.S. missiles from Turkey.
Resolved within thirteen days, showcasing high tension and potential for nuclear conflict.

Robert Kennedy's Advocacy

Advocated for a blockade of Soviet shipments to Cuba to prevent weapon transfers.
The enforcement of this blockade heightened tensions between the involved nations.

Offensive vs. Defensive Weapons

Offensive weapons directly attack an enemy, such as missiles and nuclear bombs.
Defensive weapons intercept and neutralize threats, minimizing damage from attacks.

Justifications for Soviet Actions

Soviet placement of offensive weapons in Cuba was seen as a response to U.S. missiles in Turkey.
Khrushchev's reasons included protection from U.S. invasion, sign of strength against the U.S., and the need for Communist security.

Soviet Diplomatic Position

Dobrynin and the Soviet Foreign Minister initially emphasized humanitarian aid for Cuba.
Their statements reflected a denial of military escalation, focusing instead on supporting Cuban welfare.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key events and figures of the Cuban Missile Crisis. This quiz focuses on the roles of NATO and the Warsaw Pact, as well as the pressures faced by leaders Khrushchev and Kennedy during this crucial period in history.