After six days of further investigation into the missile bases in Cuba, Kennedy addresses the American public to inform them of the current state of crisis. Congruently, Kennedy writes his first letter to Premiere Khrushchev informing Khrushchev of his intention to speak to the American public and ask for peace. In his letter, Kennedy expresses his concern that American intentions might be misunderstood and that he'd like to make them clear directly. Kennedy employs rhetoric to appeal to Khrushchev's humanity and competence when he states, "I have not assumed that you or any other sane man would, in this nuclear age, deliberately plunge the world into war which it is crystal clear no country could win and which could only result in catastrophic consequences to the whole world, including the aggressor." 1 It seems here Kennedy is trying to use the same psychology that he does not want to misunderstand Khrushchev's intentions and that he is assuming the best by suggesting that Khrushchev is not insane.
"I have not assumed that you or any other sane man would In this nuclear age, deliberately plunge the world into war which it is crystal clear no country could win and which could only result in catastrophic consequences to the whole world, including the aggressor."
In his address to the nation, Kennedy takes a similar angle in his seventh point when he calls on Khrushchev directly not only to remove the missiles from Cuba, but to end the Cold war altogether. Kennedy suggests this can be done through a halt of Soviet spread of influence and end the arms race.
Below, you will be asked to consider both documents. Take into consideration the audience whom Kennedy is addressing in each document and his aims when addressing the public vs. Khrushchev himself. Are they the same or different? How much Kennedy approach the subject differently in each document?
Below, you will be asked to consider both documents. Take into consideration the audience whom Kennedy is addressing in each document and his aims when addressing the public vs. Khrushchev himself. Are they the same or different? How much Kennedy approach the subject differently in each document?
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Primary Source Document 1 - Kennedy's address to the American Public to inform them of Soviet Missile Bases in Cuba (22 October, 1962)Good evening, my fellow citizens:
This Government, as promised, has maintained the closest surveillance of the Soviet military buildup on the island of Cuba. Within the past week, unmistakable evidence has established the fact that a series of offensive missile sites is now in preparation on that imprisoned island. The purpose of these bases can be none other than to provide a nuclear strike capability against the Western Hemisphere. Only last Thursday, as evidence of this rapid offensive buildup was already in my hand, Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko told me in my office that he was instructed to make it clear once again, as he said his government had already done, that Soviet assistance to Cuba, and I quote, "pursued solely the purpose of contributing to the defense capabilities of Cuba," that, and I quote him, "training by Soviet specialists of Cuban nationals in handling defensive armaments was by no means offensive, and if it were otherwise," Mr. Gromyko went on, "the Soviet Government would never become involved in rendering such assistance." That statement also was false. Acting, therefore, in the defense of our own security and of the entire Western Hemisphere, and under the authority entrusted to me by the Constitution as endorsed by the Resolution of the Congress, I have directed that the following initial steps be taken immediately: First: To halt this offensive buildup a strict quarantine on all offensive military equipment under shipment to Cuba is being initiated. All ships of any kind bound for Cuba from whatever nation or port will, if found to contain cargoes of offensive weapons, be turned back. This quarantine will be extended, if needed, to other types of cargo and carriers. We are not at this time, however, denying the necessities of life as the Soviets attempted to do in their Berlin blockade of 1948. Third: It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any nuclear missile launched from Cuba against any nation in the Western Hemisphere as an attack by the Soviet Union on the United States, requiring a full retaliatory response upon the Soviet Union. Seventh and finally: I call upon Chairman Khrushchev to halt and eliminate this clandestine, reckless, and provocative threat to world peace and to stable relations between our two nations. I call upon him further to abandon this course of world domination, and to join in an historic effort to end the perilous arms race and to transform the history of man. Our goal is not the victory of might, but the vindication of right; not peace at the expense of freedom, but both peace and freedom, here in this hemisphere, and, we hope, around the world. God willing, that goal will be achieved. Thank you and good night. |
Primary Source Document #2 - Kennedy composes a letter to Khrushchev to make clear his aims and intent to address the American public (22 October, 1962)
Document Analysis Questions
- Describe Kennedy's tone with the American public. Why do you think he chose to use this approach in his address to the people?
- Describe Kennedy's tone with Khrushchev. Why would Kennedy adopt this tone with Premiere Khrushchev? What is Kennedy hoping to accomplish with this letter?
- In what way do Kennedy's address to the nation and letter to Khrushchev corroborate one another? Provide specific evidence to support your answer.
(Re)Sources Referenced
- "American Rhetoric: John F. Kennedy - Cuban Missile Crisis Address to the Nation." American Rhetoric: Top 100 Speeches. American Rhetoric, n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2015.
- "Castro and the United States | Stanford History Education Group." Castro and the United States | Stanford History Education Group. Stanford University, 1 Oct. 2014. Web. 3 Apr. 2015.
- "Cuban Missile Crisis." John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum, n.d. Web. 2 Apr. 2015.
- "Kennedy Addresses the Nation on the Cuban Missile Crisis." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 2015