In October 1962, the U.S. discovered that the Soviet Union was constructing secret nuclear missile sites in Cuba, sparking a 13-day confrontation that brought the superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. President John F. Kennedy responded by establishing a naval “quarantine” around the island and demanding the immediate removal of all offensive weapons. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev initially denounced the blockade, but as tensions escalated, he offered to withdraw the missiles in exchange for a public pledge that the U.S. would not invade Cuba.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How did the Cuban Missile Crisis influence Cold War tensions?
Standards
D2.His.1.9-12. Evaluate how historical events and developments were shaped by unique circumstances of time and place as well as broader historical contexts.
Instructional Snapshot
Class begins with the teacher playing part of Source A, John F. Kennedy’s speech informing Americans about the Soviet missile sites in Cuba.
After listening, students work in small groups to brainstorm three possible steps President Kennedy could take to address the situation, recording them on the graphic organizer. Next, students predict how the Soviet Union would respond to each of these possible American actions. In doing so, students consider how each step would contribute to Cold War tensions by rating it on a scale from de-escalation to confrontation on the graphic organizer.
After students have made their predictions, the teacher plays the second clip from Source A where President Kennedy outlines the steps the United States took (the shorter version highlights the two main steps; the full clip explains all seven actions). Then, students read Nikita Khrushchev’s letter to President Kennedy (Source B) and evaluate the actual Soviet response.
Formative Tasks
COLLABORATE: Brainstorm a list of actions President Kennedy could take to end the Cuba Missile Crisis.
PRODUCE: Predict how the USSR would respond to each option.
DELIBERATE: Evaluate how the USSR actually responded to President Kennedy’s actions.
Sources
Source A: “Radio and television address to the American people on the Soviet arms build-up in Cuba, 22 October 1962”, 1962, John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Source B: Excerpts from “Translation of Khrushchev letter to President Kennedy”, Revelations from the Russian Archives, October 24, 1962, Library of Congress
Summative Performance Task
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Taking Informed Action
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