How should President Kennedy respond to the Soviet Arms Buildup in Cuba?
The Cuban Missile Crisis lasted for a relatively short period of time but had the highest possible stakes. The
United States was on the brink of a nuclear war very close to home. President Kennedy would call on a number of
close advisers to help guide him through this crisis.
Imagine that you are an adviser to President Kennedy. You will need to check various resources to prepare a
brief for the President to guide him through decisions he must make about the crisis. Visit each site in the John F.
Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, as directed below, and respond to each statement or question to help
you prepare your brief.
“The World on the Brink: John F. Kennedy and the Cuban Missile Crisis.” Write a clear statement
summarizing the situation Kennedy faced.
“Theodore C. Sorensen's memorandum, October 18, 1962.” List the possible courses of action, including
some advantages and disadvantages of each.
“Letter to Nikita Khrushchev from Fidel Castro.” Describe the Cuban position.
Read or listen to President Kennedy’s speech to the nation at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and
Museum, “Address to the Nation on the Soviet Arms Buildup in Cuba.” Write a list of other actions he
ultimately included.
(50 points)
Now, review your notes and write your brief for the president. Your brief should be three to four paragraphs and
should provide a complete explanation of the problem and the possible solutions available to the President.
1. How should President Kennedy respond to the Soviet Arms Buildup in Cuba?
Answer preview How should President Kennedy respond to the Soviet Arms Buildup in Cuba?
APA
909 words