Cuban Missile Crisis Overview

Historical Background

• US Interests in Cuba: The US was determined to maintain stability in Cuba to protect its national interests.
• Cuban Constitution: Allowed the US rights of intervention and required Cuba to provide land for naval bases like Guantanamo Bay.
• US Influence: The United States had significant influence over Cuba's affairs.

Cuban Revolution

• Timeline: 1956-1959
• Key Figures: Fidel Castro and his brother led the revolution which led to the collapse of Batista's regime on January 1, 1959.

Castro's Policies

• Reduction of US Influence: Castro aimed to reduce economic and political ties with the US.
• Agrarian Reform: Seized American-owned property.

US-Cuba Relations

• February 1960: Soviet leader Mikoyan visited Cuba, arranging $100 million in credits, strengthening Cuba-Soviet ties.
• October 1960: Eisenhower imposed a trade embargo, leading to economic sanctions and reduction of sugar imports.

Soviet Threats

• July 1960: Khrushchev threatened missile attacks if the US invaded Cuba, suggesting the end of the Monroe Doctrine.

Bay of Pigs

• Incident: April 1961
• Plan: Failed US attempt to overthrow Castro using anti-Castro exiles.
• Outcome: Failure reinforced US intentions, consolidating Castro's power.

US Operations

• Operation Mongoose: November 30, 1961, a covert plan to overthrow Castro led by General Edward Lansdale.
• OPLAN 312 & 314: US plans for air strikes and land invasions.
• Operation Quick Kick: March 1962, large-scale military exercises by the US.

Soviet Missiles in Cuba

• Deployment: March 1962, known as Operation Anadyr.
• Military Support: USSR installed nuclear weapons, fighter planes, and ground troops.

Reasons for Missile Deployment

• Parity with US: Geostrategic balance.
• Berlin Linkage Strategy: Failed attempts to remove Western presence.
• Defense Against US Threats

US Discovery and Response

• October 14, 1962: U2 spy planes discovered missiles in Cuba.
• ExComm: Formed to advise Kennedy.
• Blockade: Initiated October 24, 1962, referred to as a quarantine.

Soviet and US Negotiations

• Khrushchev's Letters: October 26 and 27, 1962.
  • First Letter: Proposed missile removal in exchange for a US non-invasion pledge.
  • Second Letter: Proposed removal of US missiles in Turkey.
• US Response: Secret agreement to remove missiles from Turkey.

Resolution

• October 28, 1962: Agreement reached, missiles removed.
• Castro's Reaction: Felt betrayed by Khrushchev, refused inspections.

Impact of the Crisis

• Kennedy: Increased prestige, secret missile removal till his death.
• Khrushchev: Criticized by Mao and Castro, weakened position.
• Truman Doctrine: Undermined, raised questions on its validity.
• USSR Developments: Initiated ICBM and navy expansion.

Reduction in Tensions

• Mutual Assured Destruction: Led to a focus on controlling weapons.
• US-Soviet Hotline: Established in 1963 for direct leader communication.
• Moscow Test Ban Treaty: August 1963, banned nuclear tests except underground; not signed by China and France.