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Summary of the Cuban Missile Crisis (IB History)
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Brief summary of the Cuban Missile Crisis during the Cold War. Examined from the framework of a crisis for the IB History SL exam.
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Cuban Missile Crisis 1962 LeadersPolicies, Events & Implications John F. Kennedy
In 1959, Castro comes into power in Cuba seeking to replace dependence on the US. Nikita Khrushchev
Castro sought to exploit the east-west rivalry to advance his cause domestically.
Cuban government financial reserves were depleting, hence the decision was made
to accept Soviet oil at below-market prices.
Cuba nationalized all US-owned refineries when they refused to refine the oil.
The 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion attempted to overthrow Castro with a suprise attack.
Concepts
Soviets had long been vulnerable to potential medium-range nuclear attacks as the ExComm
US had weapons in Europe, most notably in Turkey through the 1950s. The Executive Committee of
The Soviets wanted to extend the revolution to the rest of Latin America. the US National Security
In the summer of 1962 the installation of medium-range missiles in Cuba began. Council.
In October 1962, an American U-2 spy plane identified ballistic missiles in Cuba. Quarantine
In October 16, 1962, Kennedy was informed that a U-2 spy plane had taken A military blockade that
photos of medium range ballistic sites in Cuba. For over a week he deliberated with inhibited Soviet ships from
his advisors on possible courses of action before making any concrete decisions. entering Cuba.
In October 22, Kennedy addressed the US stating that a quarantine had been set on ICBMs
Cuba and that any violation would force US retaliation. Intercontinental Ballistic
A Soviet ship heading to Cuba turned around after negotiations and compromises. Missiles.
The Soviets agreed to dismantle and remove the weapons under UN supervision. IRBMs
The US promised there would not be another invasion on Cuba, as well as, secretly Intermediate-Range
agreeing to dismantle and remove its nuclear weapons in Turkey. Ballistic Missiles.
Significance & Importance
The Missile Crisis was a direct outcome of Soviet fears of US nuclear superiority
and a potential American overthrow of the Cuban regime.
The policy of brinksmanship was reified and the ideas of massive retaliation and Agreements
mutual assured destruction became potential realities.
Soviet-Cuban Treaty
The US placed its air force at its highest readiness-for-war level since 1945.
Signed in August 1962, the
The strategic and tactical nuclear missiles could reach the majority of the US in a treaty permitted the USSR
matter of just minutes. to place missiles in Cuba.
Both leaders were under domestic pressure to prove themselves, and their These would be defended
individual personalities and perceptions were critical in the development and by 40 000 Soviet troops,
resolution of the crisis. anti-aircraft batteries,
Effect, Consequences & Impact short-range battlefield
rockets and MIG-21 fighter
US President Kennedy’s prestige increased enourmously, whereas Khrushchev’s planes.
retreat met with bitter criticism from Mao and Castro.
Although Castro was left out of most of the decision-making process, his regime
remained unharmed and able to develop.
Cuba would go on to become a centre for revolutionary and guerrilla activity.
The US continued to boycott Cuban goods and didn’t allow trade or travel into Cuba.
The US kept its embassy closed although there were unofficial American advisors
in Cuba. Moreover, covert operations also continued.
The CIA made several failed assassination attempts on Castro.
The crisis reflected the determination of Kennedy and Khrushchev to avoid nuclear
confrontation. In 1963, a hotline was established which linked US and USSR leaders.
Both superpowers found that nuclear deterrence was far stronger than the idea of
nuclear war.
Conventional warfare and proxy wars remained the methods by which the Cold
War would continue to be fought.
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