John F. Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis
Jaime Brookes, Larkspur M.S. (Virginia Beach, VA)
Ann Cain, Tallwood H.S. (Virginia Beach, VA)
Shelly Norris, Corporate Landing, M.S. (Virginia Beach, VA)
Edited by John Sturtz, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia
Objectives
Virginia Beach Objectives:
7.8.9 Describe the Kennedy administration’s responses to challenges during the Cold War. (more)
Virginia Standards of Learning
USII-7C. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the economic, social, and political transformation of the United States and the world between the end of World War II and the present by:
c) identifying the role of America’s military and veterans in defending freedom during the Cold War, including the wars in Korea and Vietnam, the Cuban missile crisis, the collapse of communism in Europe, and the rise of new challenges
Historical Context
Resources
Photographs
- U-2 Spy Plane, circa 1962.
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U-2 photograph of a truck convoy, October 14, 1962.
Convoy approaching a deployment of Soviet MRBMs near Los Palacios at San Cristobal. This photograph was the first one identified by NPIC on 15 October as showing medium-range ballistic missiles in Cuba.
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Documents
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CIA Special National Intelligence Estimate, October 20, 1962.
“Major Consequences of Certain U.S. courses of action on Cuba."
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DOJ, Memorandum, Top Secret, October 30, 1962.
“Memorandum for the Secretary of State from the Attorney General,” on Robert Kennedy’s October 27 meeting with Dobrynin.
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Map
Interactive map of the island, identifying major places of interest and location of Soviet forces.
Teacher/Student Activity
This activity can be done individually, in pairs, or in groups.
Assessment
Students will prepare an After Action Report in PPT format to be delivered to the President outlining the major causes of the Cuban Missile Crisis, courses of action considered in response to the crisis, course of action chosen and used, and the end result.