The Cuban Missile Crisis

Questions
Why was Cubas conversion to Communism a problem for America? How did the failed Cuban Coup Dtat change Cubas opinion of America? Why was America concerned about the discovery of Soviet Missile Sites in Cuba?

Cuban Missile Crisis

Who Was Involved Explaining The Cuban Missile Crisis Background Information

Who Was Involved

United States Soviet Union Cuba Turkey / Italy

Who Was Involved

United States: Led by President John F. Kennedy Feared the spread of communism throughout the world

Who Was Involved

Soviet Union Led by Nikita Khrushchev Communist country seen as the enemy by U.S. citizens and government officials.

Who Was Involved

Cuba Led By Fidel Castro Castros regime accepted a Soviet offer of military & economic aid, as well as agreeing to the deployment of Soviet nuclear missiles to Cuba

Who was involved

Turkey /Italy These countries had missile bases which could launch Medium Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs) at Russia

Brief Explanation
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a confrontation between Kennedy and the United States and Khrushchevs Soviet Union in October of 1962 involving the Soviet Unions use of Cuba as a nuclear missile base.

Cuba History
In 1959 the pro-capitalist government of Cuba fell to a communist revolution and Fidel Castro took power.

Cuba History
This alarmed America as Cuba was very close to the United States

Failed Coup D'tat

America gave financial and military aid to anti-Communist Cubans and tried to lead a Coup D'tat which failed miserably This made the Cuban government very fearful of America and they took Soviet Aid as a result

Alarming Discovery

America spy planes detected the presence of Soviet-made Medium Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs) in Cuba. These Missiles could be equipped with Nuclear Warheads

Questions
Why was Cubas conversion to Communism a problem for America? How did the failed Cuban Coup Dtat change Cubas opinion of America? Why was America concerned about the discovery of Soviet Missile Sites in Cuba?

Kennedys Dilemma

1. 2. 3. 4.

5.

Kennedy had to make a decision on how to react to the discovery of the Missile in Cuba. He had 5 choices Do Nothing Open Direct Negotiations with Khurshchev Order a Blockade until the missiles are removed Send a warning that if the missiles arent removed in 24 hours he will launch an airstrike to destroy them Order an airstrike with no prior warning

Your Task
You are an intern recording a meeting of President Kennedys Joint Chiefs of Staff (His decision making council) You must record each advisors preferred option You must explain why each advisor has chosen their option You must give your own opinion as to what Kennedy should do.