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HOW DID THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RESPOND TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF SOVIET MISSILES TO CUBA IN 1962? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 1
HOW DID THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RESPOND TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF SOVIET MISSILES TO CUBA IN 1962? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and answer the questions that fol... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:HOW DID THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RESPOND TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF SOVIET MISSILES TO CUBA IN 1962? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Why, according to the source, did the American intelligence community become suspicious about events in Cuba?
Answer
The American intelligence community became suspicious about events in Cuba due to increasing activities and military buildup that indicated a possible threat. Reports suggested that the presence of missiles and Soviet military personnel hinted at an escalation that warranted further investigation.
Step 2
Give the TWO steps in the source that the US government took to check what was taking place in Cuba.
Answer
First, the US government deployed reconnaissance aircraft to gather intelligence and observe the situation over Cuba. Second, they increased surveillance through satellite imagery to monitor any military installations being constructed by the Soviet Union.
Step 3
Quote TWO pieces of evidence in the source that suggest the Soviet Union supported Cuba militarily.
Answer
One piece of evidence is stated as 'Soviet ships were seen transporting military equipment to Cuba.' Another piece highlights 'the arrival of Soviet military advisors to assist in training Cuban forces.'
Step 4
Explain what Kennedy implied by the statement, 'this country will do whatever must be done to protect its own security and that of its allies' in the context of the deployment of Soviet missiles to Cuba.
Answer
Kennedy's statement implied a commitment to act decisively in order to ensure the safety of the United States and its allies. He suggested that the US would take all necessary measures, including potential military action, to counter any perceived threats posed by the Soviet missiles in Cuba, thereby reinforcing the stance that American security was paramount.
Step 5
Comment on how Khrushchev continued to deploy missiles to Cuba despite Kennedy's warning.
Answer
Khrushchev continued to deploy missiles to Cuba as a means of asserting Soviet power and influence in the region. Despite Kennedy's warnings, he believed that showcasing military strength would deter American aggression and maintain Cuba as a strategic ally against perceived imperialist threats.
Step 6
How, according to the source, did Khrushchev refer to the quarantine that the USA imposed on Soviet ships?
Answer
Khrushchev referred to the quarantine imposed by the USA as an act of aggression, labeling it an unlawful blockade that infringed upon Soviet rights and international maritime laws.
Step 7
Select TWO pieces of evidence in the source that suggest that President Khrushchev disagreed with the quarantine that the USA intended to impose.
Answer
One piece of evidence shows that Khrushchev stated, 'The blockade is an act of war and will be responded to decisively.' Another piece indicates that he believed 'the quarantine undermines diplomacy and escalates tensions between the superpowers.'
Step 8
Explain what Khrushchev implied by the statement, 'we will not remain mere observers of pirate actions by American ships in the open sea', in the context of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Answer
Khrushchev's statement implied that the Soviet Union would actively resist any American military actions in the Caribbean. He portrayed the US actions as aggressive, suggesting that the Soviets would take steps to protect their interests and those of Cuba, potentially through military means.
Step 9
Explain how the information in Source 1B differs from the evidence in Source 1D regarding the USA's decision to impose a quarantine on the Soviet ships entering Cuba.
Answer
Source 1B presents the USA's quarantine as a strategic defense measure to protect national security, emphasizing a protective stance. In contrast, Source 1D represents the quarantine as a provocative action, underlining how it escalated tensions and was viewed by the Soviets as a unilateral act of aggression.
Step 10
Using the information in the relevant sources and your own knowledge, write a paragraph of about EIGHT lines (about 80 words) explaining how the United States of America (USA) responded to the deployment of Soviet missiles to Cuba.
Answer
In response to the deployment of Soviet missiles to Cuba, the United States undertook significant actions to avert potential conflict. The Kennedy administration implemented a naval quarantine to prevent further Soviet shipments of military supplies. Additionally, they initiated reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on Cuban missile sites. This firm stance aimed to convey to the Soviet Union that any offensive action would be met with a decisive counter-response, thereby maintaining a delicate balance of power during the Cold War.