Cuban Missile Crisis

Previously, it was governed by Batista. There were American corporation and individuals who owned half of Cuba's sugar plantations and the majority of its ranches, mines and utilities.

Batista did little to restrict American business in Cuba as Cuba was not benefitting economically. The Cuban people saw him as corrupt but could not do anything.

Fidel Castro overthrew Batista in 1959. By 1961 it was communist.

America did not declare war in Cuba because outright war was not justified.

In 1960, the new government took over Cuba and expelled American companies. Loyal cubans were also expelled.

Cuba asked Russia to buy sugar and Russia also promises to sell oil.

in 1961, America used Cuban exiles to invade the Bay of PIgs but were easily defeated.

As a result, Khruschev did a secret deal with Castro to place nuclear missiles on Cuba.

In October 1962, US spy planes were sent over Cuba and photographed Soviet SS-4 medium-range ballistic missile being assembled for installation. These missiles could easily reach America. This was because The USSR felt uneasy about the nuclear weapions that were placed in Turkey by America. Therefore, the missiles in Cuba were to deter America from firing almost levelling the playing field.

Kennedy then formed an Executive Commitee of the National Security Council, or XCOM for short.

1962 16th October-Kennedy told his executive committee of the threat.

18-19th October-His advisors decided on the best way forward. The hawks were in favour of aggressive action, however the doves wanted a peaceful way forward.

20th October-A naval blockade was imposed around Cuba. Ships were searched.

On the 22nd of Octover, Kennedy made a broadcast informing the Americans of the threat.

23rd of October-Khruschev sent a letter saying Soviet troops would force their way through the blockade.

24th of October-Khruschev issued a statement saying USSR would use nuclear weapons in the event of a war.

25th of October-Kennedy wrote to Khruschev asking him to withdraw nuclear weapons.

26th of October-Kruschev said that he would withdraw missiles if the USA promised not to invade Cuba and withdrew its missiles from Turkey.

27th of October- Us spy plane was shot down. Robert Kennedy the General Secretary personally delivers their agreement to the deal but asks that the removal of missiles from Turkey be kept secret.

28th of October Khruschev agrees to the deal.

This was known as brinkmanship beause both countries pushed each other to the brink of going to war.

Consequences

Kennedy won the war, as Khruschev backed down.

There was great relief that the two superpowers had not gone to war. A hotline telephone link was established between the White House and The Kremlin to ensure that they didn't have to communicate by letter.

Partial Test Ban Treaty signed in August 1962. Both the USA and the USSR agreed not to use nuclear weapons.

The case for intervention proved to be too dangerous.

in 1968, a Nuclear Non-proliferation treaty was signed.