How important was it, that the USA and USSR had full diplomatic relations with each other, and could communicate directly with each other PDF

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Topics for discussion (you may pick one or multiple topics): Since neither side wanted war, why did war almost occur? How important was it, that the USA and USSR had full diplomatic relations with each other, and could communicate directly with each other (in contrast, Israel and Iran, and the USA and Iran, for example, do not have diplomatic relations; could they resolve a similar crisis, if Iran acquired nuclear weapons?) What were Kennedy's strengths and weaknesses as a President in the midst of this crisis? What is your evaluation of him? What characteristics do we need in a President, to effectively handle a crisis that threatens the nation?

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a thirteen-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union because the Americans discovered the Soviet’s ballistic missile deployment in Cuba. This was during the Cold War where there was already a lot of tension built up. Researchers say that the Cuban Missile Crisis started because of the “failed U.S. attempt to overthrow the Castro regime in Cuba with the Bay of Pigs invasion, and while the Kennedy administration planned Operation Mongoose”(www.history.state.gov). This made Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev reach a secret agreement with Fidel Castro to place Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba. During the construction of the missiles, the U.S discovered evidence of this and the president issued satellites to conduct surveillance. This is when the Cuban Missile Crisis took a drastic turn. Even though neither side did not want a war, their actions were proving otherwise. They both needed to look powerful which caused them to ultimately be put against each other. When the U.S put their weapons in Europe, to retaliate the Soviet Union put their weapons in Cuba. Both sides wanted to save face which contributed to a dreadful thirteen days.

This event really tested John F Kennedy as a president and shined the light on how effective his leadership was. I’m fact, “what the Kennedy administration faced in October 1962 was the most dangerous crisis of the Cold War-era”(www.historyextra.com). The Cuban Missile Crisis could have produced a devastating nuclear war which would make it one of the most dangerous confrontations in human history. The President was not alone in giving effective leadership. He had his brother Robert Kennedy by his side which made them a dynamic duo. In fact, “John and Robert Kennedy did provide generally adroit leadership”(www.historyextra.com). Even though they made a great team, they did not always get along. Especially since Robert Kennedy was the one who wanted to issue the attack on Cuba in the first place. Besides this, John F Kennedy showed how dedicated he was as a President on multiple occasions. For example, “his letter to Khrushchev on 27 October in which he agreed not to sanction any invasion of Cuba was manifestly effective in getting Khrushchev to back down by agreeing to remove the nuclear weapons from Cuba”(www.historyextra.com). He used different methods to try to resolve the issue. This letter gave him the chance to use a specific approach that was more peaceful and respectful. On October 22nd he also made an appearance on the radio and television to address the world. He informed the world of the missiles in Cuba and discussed the importance of a blockade. This helped him win extraordinary support from the U.S and

everywhere else. He took his leadership seriously and used the media for his benefit. All of the actions he took showed the world that he wanted to end this Cuban Missile Crisis through diplomacy rather than force. He was very effective in his presidency and is one of the main reasons why the Cuban Missile Crisis did not turn into nuclear warfare.

Links: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1961-1968/cuban-missile-crisis

https://www.historyextra.com/period/20th-century/kennedys-jfk-robert-cuban-missile-crisis-coldwar-america-soviet/...