1.
After your reading of this brief background document, do you feel that the Cubans were justified in permitting the Russians to place missiles on the island of Cuba?
2.
Castro was not even a member of the ________________________
Correct Answer
D. Cuban communist party
Explanation
Castro was not even a member of the Cuban communist party because he was a key figure in the Cuban Revolution and the establishment of a socialist government in Cuba. While he was a member of various political organizations and movements, including the 26th of July Movement, which played a crucial role in overthrowing the Batista regime, he did not align himself with the Cuban communist party. Instead, he formed his own political party, the Communist Party of Cuba, after the revolution.
3.
The origins of the Cuban missile crisis began with what event?
Correct Answer
C. Cuban Revolution
Explanation
The correct answer is the Cuban Revolution. The origins of the Cuban missile crisis can be traced back to the Cuban Revolution, which took place from 1953 to 1959. The revolution led to the overthrow of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista and the rise of Fidel Castro's communist government. This change in power and the subsequent alignment of Cuba with the Soviet Union created tensions between the United States and Cuba, eventually leading to the Cuban missile crisis in 1962.
4.
What was La Coubre?
Correct Answer
A. A Belgian ship which exploded in Havana harbour
Explanation
La Coubre refers to a Belgian ship that exploded in Havana harbor. This event occurred in 1960 and resulted in the death of many people and significant damage to the harbor. The explosion was a significant event in the Cuban Revolution and had political implications, as it was believed to be an act of sabotage by anti-Castro forces.
5.
Who was considered responsible for the La Coubre incident?
Correct Answer
B. The United States, though there was never any proof
Explanation
The correct answer suggests that the United States was considered responsible for the La Coubre incident, even though there was never any proof. This implies that the blame was placed on the United States without concrete evidence to support it.
6.
What did Castro denounce to a crowd of 100 000?
Correct Answer
C. Yankee Imperialism
Explanation
Castro denounced Yankee Imperialism to a crowd of 100,000. This refers to the perceived domination and influence of the United States over Cuba. Castro criticized the United States for its interventionist policies and perceived exploitation of Cuban resources, particularly by American corporations. By denouncing Yankee Imperialism, Castro aimed to rally support for his revolutionary movement and emphasize the need for Cuba's independence from American influence.
7.
Fearing that the US was about to invade his country, to where did Cuban turn to for protection?
Correct Answer
A. The Soviet Union
Explanation
During the Cold War, Cuba turned to the Soviet Union for protection due to the fear of a potential invasion by the United States. The Soviet Union was a close ally of Cuba and provided military, economic, and political support to the Cuban government. This alliance allowed Cuba to strengthen its defenses and deter any potential aggression from the United States. The Soviet Union also stationed nuclear missiles in Cuba, which further heightened tensions between the US and the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
8.
What was Operation Zapata?
Correct Answer
B. This was the code name given to the invasion of Cuba by the United States
Explanation
During the Cold War, the United States planned an invasion of Cuba, which was given the code name Operation Zapata. This operation was part of the larger Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, where a group of Cuban exiles trained and supported by the CIA attempted to overthrow the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro. The invasion ultimately failed, resulting in a significant embarrassment for the United States and a strengthening of Castro's regime.
9.
What was Operation Mongoose?
Correct Answer
A. This was a plan to destabilize Cuba
Explanation
Operation Mongoose was a covert operation conducted by the United States government in the early 1960s with the aim of destabilizing the Cuban government led by Fidel Castro. The operation involved various strategies, including sabotage, propaganda, and assassination attempts, in order to undermine the Cuban regime and potentially lead to its overthrow. The goal was to weaken Cuba politically and economically, with the hope of eventually bringing about a change in leadership.
10.
Which of the following are reasons why the Bay of Pigs invasion failed?
Correct Answer(s)
A. There was no air support provided
B. The CIA had misinterpreted coral reefs for seaweed; the reefs tore open the invasion ships
D. There was no popular uprising against Castro when the invasion began
Explanation
The Bay of Pigs invasion failed for several reasons. Firstly, there was no air support provided, which put the invading forces at a significant disadvantage. Secondly, the CIA's mistake of misinterpreting coral reefs as seaweed led to the invasion ships being torn open, further hampering the operation. Additionally, the Cuban military was much stronger than expected, making it difficult for the invading forces to gain control. Lastly, there was no popular uprising against Castro when the invasion began, which deprived the invaders of local support and made their mission even more challenging.
11.
To demonstrate American military muscle, the US launched a practice amphibious (naval invasion) on the island of Puerto Rico. What was the name given to this operation?
Correct Answer
B. Ortsac
Explanation
The correct answer is "Ortsac". The question is asking for the name given to the practice amphibious operation launched by the US on the island of Puerto Rico to demonstrate American military strength. The answer "Ortsac" is the correct name for this operation.
12.
By the fall of 1962, approximately how many Soviet military personnel were in Cuba?
Correct Answer
C. 40 000
Explanation
In the fall of 1962, there were approximately 40,000 Soviet military personnel in Cuba. This suggests that the Soviet Union had a significant military presence in Cuba during that time period.
13.
While the US was not certain, what eventually led the CIA to be suspicious that something was going on in Cuba?
Correct Answer
A. There was an increased in shipping traffic and Cuban refugees reported large numbers of Russians
Explanation
The increased shipping traffic and reports of large numbers of Russians from Cuban refugees led the CIA to be suspicious that something was going on in Cuba. This suggests that there was a significant influx of Russians into Cuba, which could indicate a potential collaboration or activity between Russia and Cuba. The combination of increased shipping and the presence of Russians raised concerns and suspicions within the US intelligence community.