The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
I can analyse the causes, key events and consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
I can analyse the causes, key events and consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Cuban Missile Crisis began on 14th October 1962 when the USA discovered Soviet missile bases in Cuba.
- Khrushchev built missile bases in Cuba for several reasons but it was partly a response to US missile bases in Turkey.
- The USA set up a blockade around Cuba; as Soviet ships approached, people feared the possibility of nuclear war.
- The US blockade was successful; this strengthened Kennedy's reputation and weakened Khrushchev's position as leader.
- After the crisis, the USA and the USSR took steps to reduce the risk of a similar crisis happening in the future.
Keywords
IRBM - stands for intermediate range ballistic missile; these missiles could be fitted with nuclear warheads and had a range of 3500 kilometres
ExComm - short for Executive Committee of the National Security Council; it played a pivotal role in advising the President during the Cuban Missile Crisis
Blockade - an act or means of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving
Brinkmanship - the practice of pursuing a dangerous policy to the threshold of confrontation
Hotline - a direct communication link established between the United States and the Soviet Union to enable immediate communication in times of crisis
Common misconception
The Soviet missile bases in Cuba were important because they provided the USSR with the ability to strike the USA with nuclear weapons.
The USSR had ICBMs which meant they already had the ability to attack the USA with nuclear weapons, however these were expensive and the USA had more. The USSR had more IRBMs, so placing these missiles in Cuba gave them an important advantage.
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 history lesson on: The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), 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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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Cold War crises, 1958-70 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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