1. Unit 10 Day 2 (Cuban Missile Crisis) Quote: “It is insane that two men, sitting on opposite sides of the world, should be able to decide to bring an end to civilization.” - John F. Kennedy, commenting on the Cuban Missile Crisis, 27 October 1962 Focus Question(s): How did the culmination of WWII influence the competition between world superpowers? How does fear drive individual and collective actions? Specified Content: Cuban Missile Crisis State Standards: Concept 9 PO 1 b, c

3. Cuban Missile Crisis During the summer of 1962 the Soviets, led by Premier Nikita Khrushchev, sent weapons, including nuclear weapons, to Cuba.

4. October 14, 1962: a pilot of an American U-2 spy plane photographed a ballistic missile being assembled for installation in Cuba.

5. October 16: Kennedy found out about the missiles and called a meeting of the executive committee, or ExCom.

6. Thirteen Days You are a member of ExCom. You have 13 days (minutes) to come to a decision about how to handle the missile crisis. Based on your info card, discuss with your group what you think is the best method to end the crisis. After everyone has spoken, try to convince each other to pick one plan and vote on it. You must come to a decision before the time is up or nuclear war will break out!

8. October 22, 1962: Kennedy notified Americans about the presence of the missiles and explained his decision to enact a blockade. October 24: Soviet ships stop just short of the blockade surrounding Cuba.

9. October 26: Khrushchev sends a letter offering to remove missiles if the U.S. promises not to invade Cuba. October 27: U.S. spy plane shot down over Cuba. Soviets demand removal of missiles in Turkey. October 28: U.S. promises not to invade Cuba and to remove missiles in Turkey, ending the crisis.

10. Activity How did your group come to a decision about ending the Cuban Missile Crisis? What was that decision? Was it easy? Why do you think Kennedy decided to use the blockade?