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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. According to Robert in the section, "It was now up to one single man," what did JFK stress in his speech to the nation?

2. How long before the President's address to the nation did they tell the ambassador of Russia?

3. What was JFK's feeling after meeting with a Russian representative after learning about missiles in Cuba?

4. After making his decision, when was the President's speech to the nation scheduled for?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What was one argument against a blockade?

3. What was one argument for a blockade?

4. What personal insights does RFK provide about JFK when they are waiting for news about the first ships meant to reach the blockade?

5. What information did the Intelligence Community have about the missiles in September, but did not inform the President about at that time? Why were they not passed on?

6. What distinguishes Thirteen Days as a memoir (besides the subtitle) and not just an autobiography?

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

8. How did RFK feel about his fellow members of in Ex Comm?

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

10. When was Congress told, and how did Congress react to the news of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

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

In an essay, analyze the paradox of rulership. Why is a single leader desirable? Why is a committee type leadership desirable? Does the Constitution solve the problems with rulership? How so?

Essay Topic 3

Cultural allusions are made to Munich and Pearl Harbor. In an essay, identify which of these events most closely resembles the Cuban Missile Crisis. Give details to support your assertions.

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