Setting the Scene

1
Setting the Scene

• U.S. had missiles in Turkey (U.S. ally)
• Soviets placing missiles in Cuba (Soviet ally)

http//cairsweb.llgc.org.uk Kennedy and
Khrushchev have a nuclear arm wrestling
competition
2
Capitalist vs. Communist Goals and
Motives

• Wanted Soviet missiles out of Cuba
• Wanted Castro out of power

• Wanted threatening U.S. missiles out of Turkey
• Wanted U.S. to pledge against invading Cuba

3
The Cuban Missile Crisis Oct.15 - 28, 1962

• Operation Mongoose to run down Castros regime
  many different schemes
• U.S. spy planes took photos of Soviet missiles in
  Cuba
• Kennedy ordered quarantine after debating other
  options
• Khrushchev had multiple stories ? missiles
  defensive, wanted peace, open threats to U.S.
  govt

http//www.cia.gov Various ranges of Soviet
missiles
4
The End of the Crisis

• Cuba not involved in negotiations forced into
  the deal
• Soviets took missiles out of Cuba, U.S. pledged
  not to invade Cuba
• Publicized into U.S. victory, Soviet humiliation
• Behind the scenes Soviet accomplished goals,
  U.S. had to take missiles out of Turkey

5
Were Kennedys Actions Legitimate?

• Provoked Soviets to protect Cuba and own
  countrys pride
• Secret deal caused Soviet humiliation, relations
  made worse
• Went against foreign policy (Monroe Doctrine)
• Put U.S. in weaker position in Cold War with
  secret deal
• Could have come out as winner with public deal
• Dishonest to public, disloyal to U.S. strategy

6
Were Khrushchevs Actions Legitimate?

• Effective foreign policy, provoked U.S. gently
  but firmly
• Told multiple stories about presence/intent of
  missiles
• Achieved goals without nuclear war
• Politically ? legitimate and intelligent
• Morally ? dishonest, manipulative