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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. In the section entitled, "It was now up to one single man," when did JFK hope to broadcast his plan to the nation?

2. What might have happened to the President if he had not acted?

3. What did Adlai Stevenson suggest that offended many members of Ex Comm?

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

5. Who presented the United States case to the United Nations?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

7. What was ironic about JFK's meeting with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrea Gromyko?

8. How did JFK feel about the reaction from Congress when he informed them about the crisis and his plans?

9. What other actions did the U.S. take besides the blockade?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The importance of risk as a theme cannot be overlooked in Thirteen Days. With the stakes high for action or inaction, every decision is a risk. In an essay, develop an argument either for or against taking risks in political situations. Identify JFK's attitude toward risk as well as one of his opponents. Conclude with an analysis of risk and the possible repercussions.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

The theme of understanding consequences is prevalent in Thirteen Days. Write an essay exploring this theme and its implication to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

(see the answer keys)

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