THE COLD WAR
NOR.A.D. (North American Air Defense Command)
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joint U.S./Canada defense of N. America
Canada in strategic territory in the nuclear age
sits between U.S. and Russia
shortest route for bombers and missiles is over the North Pole
radar stations/fighter planes/missiles - three elements for protection
started by Prime Minister Diefenbaker & President Eisenhower in 1957
AVRO ARROW
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Jet interceptor program developed in Malton, Ontario in the 1950s – employed 14000 people
Could have become fast plane in the world, and a great defense to Soviet bombers
Unveiled on Oct. 4 1957, same day as Soviets launch Sputnik, diverting attention away
Many critics felt that Avro Arrow would be obsolete as US and USSR begin to phase out bombers and use ICBMs
(missiles)
Feb. 20, 1959 – Diefenbaker cancels program
BOMARC MISSILE CRISIS
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U.S. wanted Canada to use nuclear-tipped BOMARC missiles as part of the NOR.A.D. air defense alliance
Diefenbaker said ‘yes’ then ‘no’
Americans turned against Diefenbaker - helped Liberals in 1963 election
Pearson won - agreed to use nuclear warheads
THE BAY OF PIGS INVASION, 1961
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Communist guerillas active in different parts of the world
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Castro came to power in Cuba - declared himself a Communist
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Cuban exiles trained by C.I.A. in Guatemala
Was the U.S. paranoid about Castro?
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1,400 men landed at Bay of Pigs - crushed by Castro
Results
Soviets lost respect for Kennedy
Americans increased support for other anti-Communist regimes
CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS, 1962
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Soviets installing nuclear missiles in Cuba - secretly
some advisors wanted Kennedy to bomb and invade Cuba
Kennedy used naval blockade to stop Soviet ships from bringing more missiles to Cuba
both sides under tremendous pressure - danger it would bungle into war
Kennedy sent an offer - dismantle missiles & U.S. would not invade Cuba
big change for Kennedy/Khruschev, moving towards peace&disarmament
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signed first nuclear treaty (Test Ban)-stop testing weapons in atmosphere