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QUESTION 1: HOW DID THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS CONTRIBUTE TO COLD WAR TENSIONS BETWEEN THE SOVIET UNION AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN THE 1960S? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 1
QUESTION 1: HOW DID THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS CONTRIBUTE TO COLD WAR TENSIONS BETWEEN THE SOVIET UNION AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN THE 1960S? Study Sources 1... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:QUESTION 1: HOW DID THE CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS CONTRIBUTE TO COLD WAR TENSIONS BETWEEN THE SOVIET UNION AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN THE 1960S? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 1 - 2017 - Paper 1
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1.1.2 Why did Khrushchev choose to assist Cuba? Give THREE reasons for your answer from the source.
Answer
Khrushchev chose to assist Cuba for the following reasons:
- If Cuba fell, it would lead to other Latin American countries rejecting the Soviet Union.
- The loss of Cuba would represent a significant setback for the principles of Marxism-Leninism.
- The importance of Cuba's stature in relation to the Soviet Union would diminish if it was threatened.
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1.1.5 Explain the concept quarantine in the context of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Answer
In the context of the Cuban Missile Crisis, a 'quarantine' refers to the naval blockade imposed by Kennedy to prevent Soviet ships from delivering more missiles to Cuba, thus averting further escalation and potential conflict.
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1.2 Comment on the usefulness of the information in this source to understanding the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Answer
The information in Source 1A is useful as it reflects the strategic considerations of the Soviet Union and the USA during the crisis. It highlights motivations, fears, and geopolitical dynamics, offering insights into why each side acted as they did. However, it may be limited since it presents only one perspective without encompassing broader historical context.
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1.2.1 Why, according to the information in the source, was the USA keeping a close watch of the activities that were indeed in Cuba?
Answer
The USA was closely monitoring activities in Cuba to ensure national security and to prevent the spread of communism in its sphere, fearing that Cuba could become a base for Soviet military or subversive operations.
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1.2.2 Explain why it was necessary for Kennedy to impose a quarantine on Soviet missiles that were deployed to Cuba.
Answer
It was necessary for Kennedy to impose a quarantine to:
- Safeguard the security of the USA against the nuclear threat.
- Prevent the outbreak of nuclear war by controlling the inflow of weapons.
- Send a clear message to the Soviet Union about the USA's commitment to defending its interests in the Western Hemisphere.
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1.2.3 Why, in your opinion, was the USA against the installation of Soviet missiles in Cuba?
Answer
The USA opposed the installation of Soviet missiles in Cuba because it represented an immediate threat to national security, escalating the risk of a nuclear conflict. Furthermore, it challenged American influence in the region and could encourage further Soviet expansionism.
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1.2.4 Comment on what you think Kennedy meant by the statement, 'I call upon Chairman Khrushchev... to transform the history of man.'
Answer
Kennedy's statement likely implies a plea for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, emphasizing the historical significance of their decisions in shaping future relations. He may have been urging Khrushchev to choose diplomacy over confrontation to avoid catastrophic consequences.
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1.3.1 Explain why you think Robert Kennedy and Dobrynin decided to talk.
Answer
Robert Kennedy and Dobrynin decided to talk to open channels of communication and de-escalate rising tensions during the crisis. Engaging in dialogue was essential to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to war.
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1.3.2 Using the information in the source and your own knowledge, explain Dobrynin's reference to Turkey.
Answer
Dobrynin's reference to Turkey reflects the strategic balance of power during the Cold War. Both the USA and the USSR had missiles near each other's borders, suggesting that negotiations would require concessions on both sides.
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1.4 Explain how the information in Source 1C supports the evidence in Source 1B regarding the deployment of Soviet missiles to Cuba.
Answer
Source 1C indicates the presence of US missiles near the Soviet border, demonstrating a tit-for-tat dynamic in Cold War politics. The deployment of Soviet missiles in Cuba was a direct response to US military presence and threats, illustrating the escalating cycle of military posturing.
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1.5.2 Explain what is implied by the words, 'THIS HURTS ME MORE THAN IT HURTS YOU' in the context of the Cuban Missiles Crisis.
Answer
The phrase implies that the decision to withdraw missiles is a difficult one for Khrushchev, suggesting that it may be perceived as a compromise or weakness in the face of American pressure, despite the strategic necessity of de-escalation.
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1.6 Using the information from the relevant sources and your own knowledge, write a paragraph of about EIGHT lines (about 80 words) explaining how the Cuban Missiles Crisis contributed to Cold War tensions between the United States of America and the Soviet Union in the 1960s.
Answer
The Cuban Missile Crisis heightened tensions in the Cold War as it brought the superpowers to the brink of nuclear conflict. The USA's blockade and threats to attack Cuba demonstrated its resolve to protect its interests, while the USSR's missile deployment escalated fears of a military confrontation. This crisis underscored the fragile nature of peace and led both nations to reconsider their military strategies. Ultimately, it highlighted the need for better communication and diplomatic solutions in preventing such crises in the future.