The Cuban Missile Crisis

Paper Summary:

The paper is in the form of a memo that discusses the Soviet deployment of ballistic missiles in Cuba and weighs the appropriate response to this confrontation. The memo recommends an active blockade of Cuba and increased negotiation and shows the dangers inherent in a massive military assault against Cuba. The memo looks at the resources required for a blockade and considers removing U.S. missile sites from a similar strategically unimportant position in Europe. The memo explains that such a gesture would give the Soviets the false sense that they had "won" this conflict and would show the world that the US will respond forcefully when threatened by a foreign power.

Outline:
Overview of the Issue: Soviet Ballistic Missiles in Cuba
Blockade and Negotiation: An Appropriate Strategic Response
The Prevailing Options: Full-Scale Military Assault or Quarantine
Instituting a Cuban Blockade: Resources Required

From the Paper:

"In recent days, in October 1962, a confrontation with the Soviet Union has developed over the deployment of ballistic missiles in Cuba (Cuban missile crisis, 2000). This confrontation has the unfortunate potential to develop into a major conflict between US and Soviet forces, perhaps even to the point where thermonuclear war will be inevitable. This action on the part of the Soviets took the administration somewhat by surprise (McNamara, 2002). Nonetheless, when considered in light of the recent events surrounding the failed Bay of Pigs incursion, it almost seems inevitable that the Soviets would exploit Cuba's position and antagonism toward the United States and its interests."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alterman, E. (1997, November 10). Profile in courage? The Nation, 265(15), pp. 6-7.
• Cuban missile crisis. (2000). The Columbia Encyclopedia. The Columbia University Press. 6th ed. p. 9980.
• Manning, R. (1997, October 20). How close to the brink. Newsweek, 130(16), p. 18.
• McComas, D. (1987, November 20). When the other guy blinked. Scholastic Update, 120(6), pp. 27-29.
• McNamara, R.S. (2002, November). Forty years after 13 days. Arms Control Today, 32(9), pp. 4-8.

More papers on The Cuban Missile Crisis:

• Analytical Essay # 3911 : "Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis"
• Term Paper # 131747 : "American Intelligence and the Cuban Missile Crisis"
• Analytical Essay # 74125 : "President Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis"
• Analytical Essay # 134074 : "The Cuban Missile Crisis: An Analysis"

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