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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who said, "they, no more than we, can let these things go by without doing something. They can't after all their statements, permit us to take out their missiles, kill a lot of Russians, and then do nothing. If they don't take action in Cuba, they certainly will in Berlin" (28)?

2. Who does Robert speak to about the President's concern about missiles in Cuba on September 4th?

3. What was one recommendation from the military action plan?

4. How many Americans could potentially have died within minutes of the known missiles being fired off as of October 18th?

5. After the announcement to the nation, how often would Ex Comm meet?

Short Essay Questions

1. After the blockade takes effect, RFK meets with Dobrynin again. What do they discuss?

2. Which countries immediately supported the U.S. in the decision for a blockade? Why did JFK favor a blockade over a surgical air strike?

3. Why did the Intelligence Community not believe Cuba was a threat to the United States?

4. Why does JFK bring up the book The Guns of August by Barbara Tuchman?

5. Why does RFK defend Adlai Stevenson's suggestion?

6. What did the military and JFK do to respond to the submarine situation?

7. Why does RFK slip the President a note saying "I now know how Tojo felt when he was planning Pearl Harbor" (25)? How do the situations compare?

8. How and where did Adlai Stevenson present the photographic evidence of missiles in Cuba?

9. How did Ex Comm formulate their recommendations to the President?

10. What did Adlai Stevenson suggest was a third option for the President to consider? Why was it rejected?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Because of Khrushchev's clandestine behavior and known desire to take over Berlin, a comparison is made between him and Hitler. In an essay, compare and contrast Khrushchev and Hitler. In what key ways are they different? Focus on the events in Cuba and Munich.

Essay Topic 2

The analogy made comparing the Pearl Harbor bombing and the Cuban Missile Crisis is made several times in Thirteen Days. Find at least three passages that make this comparison and in an essay discuss on what points they are comparable. Then analyze how they differ. Is the comparison accurate and should it be made? Support your ideas with facts.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the powers of Congress and the Presidency using the JFK administration in Thirteen Days as a primary example.

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