HOW DID THE SOVIET UNION AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RESPOND TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF MISSILES TO CUBA IN 1962? Study Sources 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D and answer the questions that follow - NSC History - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1

In the context of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the term 'quarantine' referred to the U.S. strategy of preventing further shipments of military equipment to Cuba. Rather than declaring war or using the term 'blockade,' which implied an act of war, President Kennedy opted for 'quarantine' to impede supplies while seeking to maintain diplomatic avenues.

Dean Rusk's statement reflects the high-stakes tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the crisis. It implies that both sides were deeply aware of the brinkmanship involved, with Rusk suggesting that the U.S. had gained a psychological advantage. The metaphor of 'blinking' indicates that while both parties were prepared for confrontation, the Soviets may have shown a sign of retreat or reconsideration in the face of decisive U.S. actions.

The two demands that Khrushchev made to the U.S. government included the assurance that the U.S. would not invade Cuba and the withdrawal of U.S. missiles from Turkey. These demands were central to de-escalating the tension surrounding the missile crisis.

According to the source, the removal of U.S. missiles from Turkey was negotiated by Robert Kennedy, acting as a key intermediary in the discussions that aimed to resolve the crisis.

Khrushchev proposed a series of measures, including the withdrawal of Soviet missiles from Cuba in exchange for a U.S. pledge not to invade Cuba. He also suggested co-operation in international processes to ensure peace and security in the region.

The Soviet Union assured that it would respect the sovereignty of Turkey and would not use its territory to launch any aggressive actions. Furthermore, they committed to not influencing Turkey's domestic affairs.

Khrushchev was inclined to support a decision within the Security Council's framework as it provided a neutral ground for de-escalation and facilitated international consensus. This approach would present the Soviet Union as cooperative and committed to peaceful resolution while safeguarding their interests in Cuba.

The photograph was likely taken to document the presence and dismantling of Soviet missiles in Cuba. The visual evidence served to confirm compliance with international agreements and to provide transparency to the American public and allies regarding the situation on the ground.

This source is invaluable as it provides visual evidence of the actual implementation of agreements made during the crisis. It allows researchers to understand the on-ground realities, the mechanisms of disarmament, and the political dynamics in play during a critical historical juncture.

The U.S. government concluded that:

1. Missiles were indeed present and operational in Cuba.
2. The USSR was continuing to reinforce its military capacity on the island.
3. The Soviet ships were actively engaged in the transportation of military goods, indicating impending conflict.

The Americans saw the International Committee of the Red Cross as a neutral and trusted entity capable of overseeing the inspection of cargoes. Their role would provide an impartial assessment, thereby enhancing international legitimacy and ensuring humanitarian considerations were respected in the monitoring process.

Monitoring the withdrawal was critical for the U.S. government to verify compliance with agreements. It ensured that the Soviet Union carried through on their commitments, mitigated future threats, and maintained regional security, thus reinforcing unilateral and multilateral trust.

The evidence in Source 1C complements the information in Source 1D by demonstrating the systematic dismantling and shipping away of missiles, providing physical proof of the agreements reached. Together, these sources narrate a cohesive story of resolution and verification, illustrating the complexities of de-escalating the crisis.

In 1962, the Soviet Union and the United States responded to the missile crisis with heightened tensions and strategic maneuvers. Kennedy implemented a blockade termed a 'quarantine' to prevent further military supplies to Cuba, while Khrushchev sought a diplomatic resolution, proposing reciprocal assurances. The crisis culminated in negotiations leading to the withdrawal of missiles from Cuba and Turkey, marking a pivotal moment in Cold War history. This mutual concession set a precedent for future superpower diplomacy.