The 13 Days of the Cuban Missile Crisis
I can account for the key events and decisions made during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The 13 Days of the Cuban Missile Crisis
I can account for the key events and decisions made during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Cuban Missile Crisis began on 14th October 1962 when the USA discovered Soviet missile bases in Cuba.
- ExComm helped President Kennedy to make decisions during the crisis.
- The USA set up a blockade or 'quarantine zone' around Cuba.
- The risk of war was considered high by both the USA and USSR during the crisis.
- The crisis was resolved as both the USA and USSR agreed to make compromises.
Keywords
Blockade - a situation in which a government or soldiers stop goods or people from entering or leaving a place
Compromise - an agreement to accept something which is not exactly what you want
Common misconception
Only the USSR made compromises during the crisis.
Both superpowers agreed to compromises in order to avoid war and resolve the crisis. Soviet missiles were withdrawn from Cuba whilst the US promised not to invade Cuba and to withdraw its own missiles from Turkey.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The 13 Days of the Cuban Missile Crisis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The 13 Days of the Cuban Missile Crisis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Cold War transformation: was the world on the brink of a nuclear war? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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