Abstract The paper discusses the importance of the challenges that arose between Kruschev and Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the result of their actions and decisions.The paper endeavours to portray Kruschev as the person responsible for easing tensions in the area and not being responsible for causing the Cuban missile crisis and further shows that, in fact, as a result of Kennedy's actions in the area, Kruschev had no option but to assist Cuba as he did. The paper appends relevant source material.
From the Paper "Those who want to rescue Khrushchev's reputation from the dustbin of history frequently note that the Soviet Premier was every bit as responsible in his thinking as was Kennedy during the height of the crisis and, in many respects, even before it began. For instance, whatever his failings, it was not Khrushchev who stepped up surreptitious assaults against Castro, launched the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion - those were all things initiated by the Kennedy Administration. Further, the aggressive American build-up under Kennedy was understandably worrisome for the Soviet Leader, who had to watch this unfold fully cognizant of the fact that NATO had missiles pointed at the heart of the Soviet Union from nearby Turkey (Meyer, 113). Seen in that light, Khrushchev's secretive military support of Castro during the summer and fall of 1962 was entirely understandable - even if he erred in deploying missiles by stealth to the tiny island. More significantly, Kennedy's clandestine and not-so-clandestine efforts to unseat Castro surely raised tensions between the Soviet Union and America inasmuch as the US President had to have known on some level that the Soviets would feel compelled to protect the embattled Cuban leader from US efforts to kill him. All in all, the blame for the escalation of the crisis prior to mid-October of 1962 cannot solely, maybe not even mostly, laid at the feet of Nikita Khrushchev."
Abstract A variety of reasons influenced Khrushchev's decision to install missiles into Cuba, including pressures from home, the U.S., Europe, China, and Cuba itself. This essay examines the importance of the different factors, and in doing so challenges the often held theory that Kennedy won, and Khrushchev lost.
From the Paper "In international opinion, the Soviet Union was largely held to have been defeated in the Cuban Missile Crisis, having been 'successfully rebuffed' by John F. Kennedy, who had displayed 'cool nerve during an extraordinarily dangerous situation' . Such was the nature of the Soviet Union's perceived defeat that it influenced a break in Sino-Soviet relations; the Chinese viewing the Soviet Union's withdrawal of nuclear missiles in response to a U.S. quarantine as a sign of their weak resolve in the face of U.S. strength; thus, the Soviet Union did not warrant her status as the protector of world communism. In the West, the Soviet Union was widely regarded as having been the aggressor, and her placing of missiles in Cuba was an aggressive policy which could have resulted in nuclear war. Khrushchev defended himself, claiming that his sole purpose had been in 'protecting the freedom-loving people of Cuba' , a purpose in which he had been entirely successful as he had stalled imminent U.S. military action against Cuba, and had extracted a promise from the U.S. not to support action against Cuba in the future. However, none of these viewpoints reflected the full picture. Khrushchev had never intended nuclear war, neither had he solely sought to protect Cuba from U.S. aggression. Indeed, Khrushchev can be shown to have had a wide range of aims and objectives, some realised, some failed, but which question the plausibility of his perceived 'defeat'."
Abstract This paper asserts that many people today simply do not realize just how close the world came to nuclear war when John F. Kennedy and Nikita S. Khrushchev squared off for 13 tense days during the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962. The paper claims that given the highly secretive nature of the Soviet regimen during this period in history, it is unlikely that many average citizens were aware of what was taking place during this fateful 13-day period in history. Despite these constraints, much has been learned since 1962 about what took place behind closed doors in Moscow and Washington and this paper investigates this information to determine what part Nikita S. Khrushchev played in negotiating the compromise and the response of the Soviet leadership of the day. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
Outline
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Background and Overview
The Role of Nikita S. Khrushchev
Conclusion
From the Paper "Today, the Cuban Missile Crisis is generally remembered as lasting for just thirteen days (from October 16-28), beginning with the point at which Washington discovered that active construction was taking place in Cuba to install launch facilities for Soviet medium-range missiles, to the day the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Khrushchev, publicly and formally agreed to withdraw missiles from Cuba. As part of the eventual compromise that was reached, President Kennedy guaranteed that the United States would not invade Cuba. More comprehensive accounts of the missile crisis extend beyond these immediate 13 days to include the period from October 28 to November 20 as well, when intensive negotiations were conducted that more fully set forth and codified the agreements had been reached, the period when the U.S. naval blockade was lifted, and the special alert status of the military forces of both countries had ended."
Abstract This paper describes the key players and events that led up to the Cuban Missile Crisis. The paper details the posturing that went on between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, the imminent danger posed to the world because of the crisis, how it was resolved and the resulting aftermath of the crisis.
From the Paper "October of 1962 brought about one of the most important conflicts of the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis. Perhaps the most studied international confrontation of the Twentieth century, the crisis was the closest that the world has ever come to a nuclear war. The Cuban Missile Crisis was a major confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union in which tensions ran high on either side as both countries struggled with intense negotiations. The missile crisis represents the one time that world leaders and the international community stared down what Kennedy speechwriter Theodore Sorenson called "the gun barrel of nuclear war," the death of history as we know it."
Abstract The paper argues that the leadership of John F. Kennedy was tested during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962. The paper explains that the creation of the ExComm, together with JFK's own willingness to heed advice, take responsibility for decisions and explore all options, may well have spared the world from nuclear disaster.
From the Paper "President John F. Kennedy is today celebrated as much for his steady leadership during tumultuous times as he is lauded for his eloquence and ability to inspire. At no time during his presidency and perhaps during his life would JFK be asked to handle an event more challenging-and more potentially combustible-than the Cuban Missile Crisis."
Abstract In this paper, the writer examines President John F. Kennedy's decision-making during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962. The writer provides a background of the crisis. In the article, the writer discusses dealings between Kennedy and Soviet leader, Khrushchev. The writer also covers the outcome of the crisis.
From the Paper "The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred in October when the Soviet Union under the leadership of Premier Nikita Khrushchev began placing offensive ballistic missiles in Cuba, just miles off the U. S. coast. Traditionally, historians have contended that Khrushchev began placing the missiles in Cuba from a position of strength, intended to defy a weak foe, President John F. Kennedy. They emphasized the apparent resolve Kennedy showed in dealing with Khrushchev, essentially portraying Kennedy as a man who finally became presidential during ... "
A review of the Cuban Missile Crisis and new information that has recently come to light that somewhat alters our perception of what actually transpired.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 6 sources, 2005, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper reviews the history of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the way in which it was handled by the Kennedy administration. According to this paper, the belief that the incident was simple, is incorrect. This was a complex situation.
From the Paper "The Cuban Missile Crisis was for a long time portrayed in Western history books as a sudden, unexpected crisis that was handled masterfully by the Kennedy administration, resulting in the avoidance of nuclear conflict. Thus, it was considered a textbook example of how to handle such crises. However, recent decades have seen the gradual exposure to public and academic scrutiny of numerous previously classified US documents. This has enabled historians to gain a better insight into the reality of the situation. As a result, it is becoming increasingly clear that a simplistic portrayal of the incident as sudden aggression from the Soviets and the Cubans is erroneous."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of women serving on U.S. Navy submarines. The author provides compelling arguments against this policy and cites several reasons why women on submarines would harm morale, reduce crew effectiveness and add to the psychological stress of submarine duty.
Abstract The paper reveals the history and development of submarines. The paper explains that these early crafts were little more than experimental models and were occasionally used as a weapon of desperation by states with weak navies that offered no real threat to major naval powers. The paper shows, however, how today's submarines are "deadly ship-killers." The paper notes that although the acquisition and operational and repair costs of submarines are high, they have become a vital part of global navies.
From the Paper "In 1578, former Navy gunner William Bourne designed the first recorded underwater navigational craft. It had a wooden framework bound in waterproofed leather and was to be submerged by employing hand vises that contracted the sides and decreased the volume (Saga). His design was never built, but a similar craft was built in 1605, however during its first underwater trial it became stuck in the river bottom (Saga). In 1620, Cornelius Van Drebbel designed the first practical submarine, a rowboat covered in greased leather. While rowers pulled on oars that protruded through flexible leather seals in the hull, snorkel air tubes held above the surface by floats, allowed the craft to remain submerged for several hours (Saga)."
Abstract A thorough explanation on the make-up and functions of the Russian Kilo-Class 636 attack submarine. The paper includes information on the design, depths, propulsion, engines and speeds, technology, weapons, Soviet operations and inventory of the submarine.
From the Paper "Stealth is the most important element of a submarine. The Kilo was, at one time, the stealthiest submarine in the world. If necessary, she could completely shut down all systems, and just float beneath the surface, in order to avoid detection. A nuclear boat cannot do this because if the reactor were shut down, it would take equipment only available in port to start it up again."
Abstract This paper provides a brief study of the role of the submarine from the First World War through to the Second World War and the developments that were seen during this period. It focuses on American and German capabilities in submarines, which gave a greater understanding of the might of these submersible vessels, especially at the time of hostilities.
From the Paper "The entry of the United States in a combative role in the First world war was delayed until 1917. The United States deployed twenty four diesel powered submarines off the United States East Coast and overseas in the Azores and Ireland. The role of these submarines were mostly to escort Allied merchant shipping and counter the threat present in the form of German submarine threats. The submarines of the United States failed to sink any of the German submarines. Still the number of attacks that they manage to repulse by near misses demonstrated the capacity of the submarine to be an effective in an anti-submarine role. The German skill in the use of submarines called U-boats during First world War demonstrated the vital role that submarine would have in future global conflicts. (Part 6: World War Two Subs)"
An analysis at the global, state, and local levels of the US decision to move forward with a ballistic missile defense system, with background, reactions of other countries, ideologies, and policies.
2,835 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 12 sources, 2001, $ 84.95
Abstract This paper examines the US decision to move forward with a ballistic missile defense system. The author gives a background on the history and technology of ballistic missile defense and then examines the reactions of other countries to the American missile defense decision. Also discussed are the ideological and moral support for missile defense at the state level. Finally, missile defense is analyzed as a political issue in relation to the 2000 elections and as an economic issue for defense contractors and certain parts of the country that stand to gain business from an expanded missile defense.?
From the Paper:
"On March 23, 1983, President Ronald Reagan began one of the most important legacies of the last stage of the Cold War with a speech outlining his Strategic Defense Initiative. The Star Wars program, as it came to be known, immediately created tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, as well as between the US and its allies, and sparked debate over the feasibility, cost, benefits, and consequences of ballistic missile defense (BMD). This debate may not have mattered much when missile defense technology was too immature to make deployment practical or even possible. However, seventeen years later, technology has advanced to the point where the US must decide now whether it wants missile defense in the future. A decision of this magnitude, involving billions of dollars and potentially billions of lives, must be examined closely at all levels of analysis."?
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Abstract The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 was a major cold war confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev decided to install ballistic missiles in Cuba although they had made a promise to the U.S. that they would not. The paper shows that when the U.S. discovered the construction of missile launching sites, President John F. Kennedy publicly denounced the Soviet actions, demanding that they remove the nuclear missiles from Cuba.
When this did not work, Kennedy imposed a naval blockade on Cuba, threatening that the U.S. Days would meet any missile launched from Cuba with a full-scale retaliatory attack later and Soviet ships carrying missiles to Cuba went home. The paper examines how Khrushchev soon agreed to dismantle the missile sites. The U.S then ended its blockade within a month, and shortly after, all missiles and bombers were removed from Cuba. The paper provides a detailed overview of this confrontation.
From the Paper "The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 was the first time that the world was in danger of full-scale nuclear war. When the Soviet Union placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, the U.S. viewed this as an act of hostility that could not be tolerated.
However, many critics say that the Soviets were simply reacting to the Bay of Pigs invasion, in which Kennedy used Cubans against Castro without providing the American military support they needed. Americans saw this as a great embarrassment. But to the U.S.S.R., it was viewed as an American-sponsored military offensive against Cuba, which was a communist country and Soviet ally."
Tags: nuclear, war, Bay, of, Pigs, Fidel, Castro, DEFCON, 3
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of missile defense, ie. the idea that a defense missile can be used to shoot down an incoming ballistic missile and how the mere idea of this ability in the past threatened to add fuel to an ongoing arms race between the two then superpowers. It evaluates the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) which was a result of an attempt to add some stability to a very dangerous and unstable Cold War. This paper examines the new challenges to that treaty, challenges which have ultimately left it a remnant of the past and the reasons why President Bush choose to leave the treaty. It attempts to understand the treaty's past, its present situation and the future of American Foreign Policy without its restriction. It analyzes the history and development of missile technology over the tears and the international threat it poses.
From the Paper "To fully understand the ABM treaty, the issues of the world in which it was made must be taken into account. When Nixon came into the office of the President, the Vietnam War was coming to an end. The goals of the Nixon administration were to decrease America's extent to regional allies and to create stability in the world. The end of the Vietnam War was an example of Nixon's goal to decrease America's protection through non-nuclear assistance to regional allies. Nixon declared that America would provide a nuclear umbrella for her allies but ?The primary burden for regional and local defense would lie with the states directly concerned.? This policy was a direct result of America's domestic situation at the time."
Tags: bush, nixon, cold, war, iraq, clinton, foreign, policy
Abstract The paper explains that, considering the information now available, it seems unlikely the Soviets would have attacked the United States over the Cuban missile crisis. The author states that it actually appears the United States was the aggressor: The missiles were placed in Cuba by the Soviet Union as deterrents in response to a real threat from the United States because the United States had been planning on attacking Cuba for years, going back to the Eisenhower administration. The paper concludes that the weapons did ensure a peace because (1) the United States government agreed not to invade Cuba if the Soviet Union agreed to remove the missiles from Cuban soil, which they did, and (2) the United States agreed to remove missiles from Turkey. Several long quotes.
From the Paper "The Cuban Missile Crisis is one of the defining moments in twentieth century United States history. The Cold War was at its apex. The Cubans asked the Soviet Union to protect them against an American attack. In 1961, the United States sent troops into Cuba in an attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro. The attack failed and later became known as the Bay of Pigs fiasco. In 1962, Kruschev sent missiles into Cuba in order to deter an American attack. We were at the brink of World War III, both sides used verbal threats, and War was only averted when the Soviet Union removed the missiles in return for an American promise to not invade the island."