CONTENT WARNING
Materials in the Library of Virginia’s collections contain historical terms, phrases, and images that are offensive to modern readers. These include demeaning and dehumanizing references to race, ethnicity, and nationality; enslaved or free status; physical and mental ability; and gender and sexual orientation.
Context
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a major event of the Cold War that took place during John F. Kennedy’s presidency. In October 1962, a United States spy plane captured evidence of the Soviet Union (present day Russia) moving nuclear weapons into Cuba which lies 90 miles off the coast of Florida. Upon hearing this news, President Kennedy had to made plans within 7 days in secret, before word of this potential international issue was released to the public. President Kennedy met with his most trusted advisors, including his brother Attorney General Robert Kennedy, to create a plan of action.
President Kennedy announced to the world that they had discovered nuclear missiles were being transported to Cuba. The U.S plan of action was to impose a naval blockade to prevent further shipments to Cuba. While the blockade was successful in stopping additional nuclear weapons from entering Cuba, the missiles already in Cuba were in the beginning stages of becoming operational. President Kennedy seemed to be facing two options: attack or accept the presence of Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba. Kennedy, however, choose to reject both options and proposed a policy that the U.S would not invade Cuba, if the Soviet Union removed all nuclear weapons from Cuba. Soviet Union Premier Nikita Khrushchev agreed to this deal, partly due to a secret clause that the United States would also remove U.S missiles from Turkey within 6 months of the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba.
Citations: Allison, Graham. "The Cuban Missile Crisis at 50." Foreign Affairs 91, no. 4 (July 2012): 11-16. Military & Government Collection, EBSCOhost (accessed November 23, 2015). CIA documents on the Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962/ Central Intelligence Agency; editor, Mary S. McAuliffe, Washington D.C, History Staff, Central Intelligence Agency, [1992].Federal Documents Microfiche, Library of Virginia. Richmond, VA
Standards
Suggested Questions
Preview Activity
Scan it: Scan the document. What words and phrases stand out to you? List the words and phrases.
Post Activities
STEM STAT: The map which accompanies the document provides a visual depiction of the reasons why leaving Cuba would have had dangerous consequences. Using the map, list 3 or 4 possible reasons why the Soviet Union would choose to place nuclear arms in Cuba and why the United States needed to ensure that they be permanently removed.
Current Connections: How can studying the Cuban Missile Crisis help policy makers today? Consider policies regarding Iran, North Korea, and China.