The Cuban Missile Crisis

By bsmak

  • A reconnaissance flight is sent over Cuba

    Although it was delayed until the 14th due to bad weather, the flight designed to reveal any Soviet military bases was ordered on the 9th of October by John F. Kennedy.

  • The Photographs: Beginning of the 13 day Crisis.

    The Photographs: Beginning of the 13 day Crisis.
    U-2 reconnaissance takes photographs of Soviet Missile Sites based in Cuba.

  • Photographs Analysed

    The pictures taken in reconnaissance were analysed by the CIA, then revealed to the national Security advisor Mcgeorge Bundy (who decided they would wait until morning to advise the president). The secretary of Defence was briefed at Midnight. It is confirmed that MRBM sites are being assembled in Cuba by the USSR

  • President John F. Kennedy notified

    President John F. Kennedy notified
    John F. Kennedy was notified of the images taken by the U-2 during it's reconnaissance flight. The CIA also provide their analysis of the pictures. Kennedy assembles a group of 9 members of the National Security Council, and five other key members (EXCOMM) to handle the crisis.

  • A second U-2 reconnaissance flight reveals more IRBM"S in Cuba

    On the 17th, JFK flew to conneticut to campaign for the democratic party. Upon his return he was briefed by Robert (Bob) Kennedy as to what he had missed during the time he was gone. The chiefs of staff recommend that an Air strike on the sites is the only way forward.

  • John F. Kennedy meets with Anrdei Gromyko

    Andrei Gromyko (Foreign minister for USSR) assures John F. Kennedy that the Missiles are purely for the defensive capabilities of Cuba.

  • John F. Kennedy goes on planned campaign trips

    JFK leaves Washington on planned campaign trips to Cleveland and the West Coast

  • Blockade (quarantine) is brought into effect

    Kennedy and his advisors then decide on a defensive quarantine (blockade) of Cuba. It is put into action immediately

  • JFK asks for a press silence

    JFK also orders a press silence in order to maintain the element of surprise with regard to the quarantine.

  • A further U-2 reconnaissance flight reveals migs and bombers being assembled on Cuba's north Shore

    A further U-2 reconnaissance flight reveals migs and bombers being assembled on Cuba's north Shore.

  • Congressional leaders are advised on the situation by JFK

    Congressional leaders are made aware of the situation by being shown the photographs of the Missile sites. US military forces go to DEFCON 3.

  • JFK televises his explanation to the United states people.

    JFK televises his explanation to the United states people.
    JFK televises his explanation to the United states people.

  • Kennedy is contacted by Nikita Khrushchev

    John F Kennedy is contacted by letter by Nikita Khrushchev, he leader of the Soviet union who states in his letter that there is a "serious threat to the peace and security of peoples"

  • US Ships take up positions along the quarantine line

    US Ships take up positions along the quarantine line
    All US ships on their way to Cuba reverse their course and set up the blockade. The US military forces set a DEFCON level of 2, the highest level reached in US history.

  • JFK letter to Nikita Khrushchev

    John F. Kennedy writes a letter to Nikita Khrushchev giving the burden of responsibility regarding the situation on the Soviet Union. The Idea of a trade of the removal of US missiles from Turkey in exchange for the removal of Soviet Missiles from Cuba is put forth by EXCOMM

  • A Letter is sent in return to JFK from Nikita Khrushchev

    A letter sent by Khrushchev proposes the removal of Soviet Missiles from Cuba in exchange for a public statement made by JFK that the US will never invade Cuba. Missile sites are continuing to be assembled in Cuba, despite the blockade. A Soviet ship is also cleared through the quarantine.

  • U-2 reconnaissance aircraft shot down

    A U-2 reconnaissance aircraft is shot down over Cuba, killing the American Pilot major Rudolf Anderson.

  • U-2 reconnaissance aircraft strays into Soviet airspace

    U-2 reconnaissance aircraft strays into Soviet airspace and is nearly shot down by Soviet fighters.

  • Agreement by Kennedy to Khrushchevs previous letter

    JFK sends a letter to Khrushchev agreeing that the US will make a statement stating it will never invade Cuba if the Soviets remove the MRBM's from Cuba.

  • The conclusion of the Crisis

    Nikita Khrushchev announces over Radio Moscow (Soviet Union) that the USSR has agreed to remove the Soviet Missiles from Cuba.