Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Kennedy & Cuba > Why didn't this lead to nuclear war?
Source 2
Messages between Britain and the United States, 21-24 October 1962
(Catalogue ref: 2a-b, PREM 11/3689; 2c, PREM 11/4052; 2d, CAB 129/111)
2a
2b
2c
2d
Questions
1. In Source 2a, Kennedy tells Prime Minister Harold Macmillan that there are Soviet missiles
in Cuba. Kennedy refers to 'the dangers we will now have to face together'. Are Britain and
the United States really in this crisis together?
2. Source 2b is the British Ambassador's account of his secret meeting with Kennedy.
According to him, why has Kennedy decided to take action?
3. What might be the consequence of a U.S. air strike on Cuba?
4. Why do you think Kennedy ended up rejecting the ideas of some of his military advisers
who wanted an air strike or a full invasion?
5. Source 2c is Macmillan's reply to Kennedy. What aspects of Kennedy's proposed actions
worry the British leader? Name at least three aspects.
6. Why are the British concerned about Berlin?
7. In Source 2d, what is the opinion of the writer about the plan to blockade Cuba?
8. What might be the consequences of a U.S. blockade of Cuba?
9. Some historians think Kennedy's decision against direct military action was his most
important decision of the entire crisis. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 1
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Kennedy & Cuba > Why didn't this lead to nuclear war?
Source 2a
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 2
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Kennedy & Cuba > Why didn't this lead to nuclear war?
Source 2b
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 3
Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Kennedy & Cuba > Why didn't this lead to nuclear war?
Source 2c
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
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Learning Curve
HEROES & VILLAINS
Kennedy & Cuba > Why didn't this lead to nuclear war?
Source 2d
http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/heroesvillains/
Page 5