Cuban Missile Crisis, October 1962

What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The Cuban Missile Crisis, between the USSR and the USA, was one of the most serious Cold War crises. It happened because the USSR placed missiles in Cuba and was the closest the world had been to a possible nuclear war.

When did the Cuban Missile Crisis happen?

The Cuban Missile Crisis lasted for 13 days, from 14th to 28th October, 1962.

Why did the Cuban Missile Crisis happen?

6 important causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis were:

• ❖ The long-term deterioration of the relationship between the USA and Cuba, accelerated by the Cuban Revolution in 1959 and the Bay of Pigs incident in 1961.
• ❖ This pushed Cuba closer to the USSR, which bought Cuban sugar. In return, the Cubans bought oil from the Soviets.
• ❖ Castro had declared himself a Marxist in December 1961.
• ❖ Khrushchev was concerned about the missile gap and the fact the USA had nuclear missiles based in Turkey which could easily reach the USSR.
• ❖ The immediate cause was the deployment of Soviet nuclear missiles to Cuba for protection against possible attack by the USA.
• ❖ Cuba is only 160km south of the US state of Florida, which meant the mainland was within range of any missiles placed on Cuba. The USA therefore felt threatened.

What happened during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

There were 9 key events during the crisis in October 1962:

• ❖ On 14th October, American spy planes spotted missile bases being built on Cuba.
• ❖ On 16th October, Kennedy was informed of the missile build-up and Ex-Comm, an advisory group, was formed.
• ❖ On 20th October Kennedy decided to blockade Cuba. This was a 500-mile naval 'quarantine' with the aim of preventing the Soviets from bringing in further military supplies or missiles.
• ❖ On 24th October, Khrushchev stated the USSR would launch nuclear missiles if America went to war in Cuba.
• ❖ The blockade began. When Soviet ships approached the blockade, some stopped and some turned around.
• ❖ On 26th October, Kennedy received a letter from Khrushchev who offered to negotiate if the blockade was removed and the USA did not invade Cuba.
• ❖ On 27th October, Kennedy received a second letter from Khrushchev which offered to remove the missiles if the USA removed its missiles in Turkey.
• ❖ Kennedy's brother, Robert, negotiated with the Russian ambassador and accepted the offer on condition the removal of missiles from Turkey was kept secret.
• ❖ On 28th October, Khrushchev agreed to the dismantling of the nuclear missiles.

How was the Cuban Missile Crisis solved?

The Cuban Missile Crisis was solved because:

• ❖ Khrushchev agreed to remove missiles from Cuba if the USA removed its warheads from Italy and Turkey.
• ❖ The USA would only agree to the deal if the removal of its missiles from Italy and Turkey was kept secret.

What were the results of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

There were 6 main consequences to the Cuban Missile Crisis:

• ❖ Cuba survived as a communist country.
• ❖ Kennedy assured the world that the USA would never invade Cuba and his public image improved.
• ❖ The Soviet Union looked weak because the world did not know the USA had removed its missiles from Turkey.
• ❖ Khrushchev lost power in the USSR and was dismissed in 1964.
• ❖ China criticised the USSR over its actions because the Soviets had made the communist world look weak. China's relationship with the USSR deteriorated.
• ❖ The USA's NATO allies in Europe were horrified because they had not been consulted. France reacted by leaving NATO in 1966.

How did the Cuban Missile Crisis affect the relationship between the USA and the USSR?

The Cuban Missile Crisis had 2 main effects on the relationship between the USA and the USSR:

• ❖ The relationship had deteriorated almost to the brink of nuclear war, so Kennedy wanted to focus more on the two nations' 'common interests'.
• ❖ A hotline was set up in June 1963 between the USA and the USSR. This would help avoid crises by enabling direct and quick communication.

Why was the Cuban Missile Crisis important?

The Cuban Missile Crisis was important for 2 main reasons:

• ❖ It was the most dangerous Cold War confrontation between the USA and the USSR and almost led to nuclear war.
• ❖ It resulted in both countries working to improve their relationship and slow down the arms race.

What nuclear treaties were signed after The Cuban Missile Crisis?

There were 3 important nuclear treaties signed after the Cuban Missile Crisis:

• ❖ 1963 - the Limited Test Ban Treaty banned the testing of nuclear weapons in air or underwater.
• ❖ 1967 - the Outer Space Treaty banned testing or using nuclear weapons in space.
• ❖ 1968 - the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty stated the ultimate goal was world nuclear disarmament.