M. Nichols IGCSE History BSA 2006
MODEL ANSWERS ON CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS HOMEWORK
(a) Describe relations between Cuba and the USA in the period 1959- 61.
Initially, US relations with Cuba were cordial, as the Americans had withdrawn their support for Castro’s enemy, Batista. Castro was also not yet a communist nor even an ally of the USSR, and seemed to get on well with President Eisenhower. His address to the UNO in New York went down well, as did his allowing the Americans to keep their base, in Guantanamo Bay. However, from 1960 relations soured as Castro nationalized US-owned assets and businesses, and moved closer to the communist USSR and China for support and protection. The US broke off diplomatic relations early in 1961 and then the US sponsored Bay of Pigs fiasco in 1961 only ensured a further souring of relations, as Castro became a closer ally of the USSR.
(b) Why was the USA concerned about Soviet missiles in Cuba?
Cuba was only 90 miles from the USA. It was regarded as in America’s backyard, and the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, which stated no European power should interfere in the affairs of the Americas, was being flouted by the Soviets. By placing missiles on Cuba, the Soviets could destroy most US cities, with only a five minute warning. This meant the US’ warning systems would be by-passed and altered the balance of power in the arms race. The US and JFK would look weak if they gave in to this threat. However, any attack on Cuba might have precipitated a nuclear war or at very least a Soviet response, in Berlin.
(c) Khruschev claimed that the Cuban Missile Crisis was a victory for the Soviet Union. Do you agree with this view? Explain your answer.
In some ways it was victory for the USSR, in other ways for the USA and ultimately perhaps for both, and Mankind generally.
The Soviets did obtain the removal of US Jupiter missiles from Turkey. They also obtained a guarantee that the US would never invade Cuba. Plus Cuba, of course, remained a close Soviet ally.
The US managed to get the IRBM’s out of Cuba; re-confirmed its Monroe Doctrine and faced down the USSR. JFK had looked strong and decisive.
However, the Crisis was also a near disaster. Khruschev and JFK’s brinkmanship had almost brought the world to the edge of a nuclear war, while Khruschev’s poor handling of the crisis contributed to his overthrow in 1964.
Perhaps ultimately, it was Mankind that benefited as a hotline was established between the Kremlin and the Pentagon; while a Partial Test Ban treaty reduced atmospheric nuclear testing and the possibility of accidental nuclear war.