What were the main causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962?

Learning objective – to understand what caused the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. I can describe the different causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Grade D I can explain and make links between the different causes of Cuban Missile Crisis. Grade B I can explain the links between and the importance of the different causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Grade A and A*

John F. Kennedy (1917-63) Was US President between 1960-63. Was the youngest man and the first Catholic elected as US President. His foreign policy opposed communism and he was determined to defend any country against it.

Nikita Khrushchev (1894-71) Became President of USSR in 1958 after a three year power struggle. His original foreign policy was based on ‘peaceful co-existence’ which meant that USSR and US needed a way to live with each other.

Fidel Castro (1926-) A trained lawyer who led a two year rising in which he became leader of Cuba in 1959. A communist, he wanted to strengthen his ties with USSR and China.

Why was Cuba so important in the Cold War? Cuba, located in the Caribbean Sea, is only 70 miles from the US coast. In the 1950s, USA supported the Cuban dictator, Fulgencio Batista who anti-Communist but corrupt. Up to 1959, USA dominated Cuban industry [particularly sugar and tobacco] and had a significant military presence. Also many US tourists visited Cuba.

Why was the 1959 Cuban Revolution a turning point? Batista was overthrown by Fidel Castro and his supporters in 1959. Castro disliked US dominance in Cuba and attacked it by seizing control of the sugar and tobacco industries, taking US land in Cuba and rejecting US investment. Furious, the US refused to buy Cuban sugar which led to Castro making a series of anti- American speeches. Seeing an opportunity, the USSR offered Cuba assistance giving aid, machinery and money trying to foster an alliance on the USA’s doorstep.

Why did Kennedy decide to launch the Bay of Pigs Invasion in 1961? Relations between USA and Cuba were broken in January 1961 when diplomatic relations were halted. Relations between USA and USSR were returning to a freeze with the U2 incident and the building of the Berlin Wall. All US attempts to assassinate Castro had failed and Kennedy was committed to the policy of Containment – trying to stop the spread of Communism across the globe – particularly to its neighbours. He felt he had to be seen to do something to combat the threat of growing Communism in Cuba.

How did Kennedy prepare for the Bay of Pigs invasion? Many Cubans had fled to America during the Cuban Revolution. Kennedy supplied weapons and training to 1,500 of these Cubans for an invasion to topple Castro’s regime. This invasion was called ‘Operation Pluto’ and was launched in Arpil 1961 when the Cuban exiles landed at the Bay of Pigs, south of Havana. The invasion was a disaster as Cuba easily brushed the attack off with 20,000 men and weapons supplied by the USSR. The invasion lasted 3 days.

What was the impact of the Bay of Pigs invasion? USA broke off all trade with Cuba. Castro’s position in Cuba was strengthened. US citizens were forbidden to travel to Cuba. Cuba and USSR established closer ties. Kennedy was publicly humiliated and had to make a TV broadcast explaining his decision to back an invasion. Khrushchev was convinced that Kennedy was a weak leader.

Significance pyramid task List six causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis – for example, the Cuban Revolution of 1959. Once you have your six causes, list them in order of significance. Then write them on your significance pyramid sheet with the most important cause at the peak of the pyramid. Write an explanation for each cause why you have placed it where you have in your significance pyramid.

Pick three words out from this word cloud and explain their significance to the causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Home Learning task Read the hexagonal learning sheet carefully. Ask any questions before you leave. Home Learning task due for next lesson.