Timeline: CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS (j1)

1823

Monroe Doctrine

isolationist policy

1902

Cuban (in)dependence

Platt Amendment- cuba cannot allow foreign powers from using land w/o military purposes

Oct 14, 1962

U2 spy plane discovered missile sites in Cuba

Oct 15, 1962

National Photographic Intelligence Centre reviewed photos

identified objects similar to MRBM components in USSR

Oct 16, 1962

EXCOM meeting with Kennedy

discussed possible diplomatic and military causes of action:
1. air strikes on missile sites
2. actual invasion of Cuba
3. naval quarantine
4. diplomatic pressure

Oct 17, 1962

U2 flight showed immediate range (IBRMs), SS-5 nuclear missiles on Cuban soil

Hawks (Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force) argued for an air strike

Oct 18, 1962

Gromyko and Kennedy meeting

Gromyko assured K that Soviet aid to Cuba was purely for Cuba's defensive capabilities

Oct 20, 1962

Kennedy ordered institution of a defensive quarantine ASAP

Oct 21, 1962

General Maxwell Taylor: air strike could not guarantee destruction of all Soviet missiles in Cuba

Kennedy decides on naval quarantine for time being, U2 flight revealed bombers and MiGs were being rapidly assembled, cruise missile sites built on north Cuba

Oct 22, 1962

Kennedy announced naval quarantine, DEFCON 3

tried to use diplomatic pressure! announced presence of the missile sites in Cuba to US public, attracted attention of international community. also warned of retaliatory measures. US military worldwide went on DEFCON 3 alert, Marines reinforced US base at Guatanamo Bay

Oct 23, 1962

Warsaw Pact on standby, Robert x Dobrynin

in response to DEFCON 3, Khrushchev alerted Warsaw Pact forces to standby. Organisation of American States (OAS) unanimously approved of quarantine against Cuba. Quarantine line: 800 miles off Cuba. Robert Kennedy met Anatoly Dobrynin. Khrushchev commented that there was a "serious threat to peace and security of peoples." Kennedy gave Khrsuhchev more time and pulled quarantine line back by 500 miles.

Oct 24, 1962