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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. Why did JFK originally want to remove the missiles from Turkey?

2. According to the Afterword, what did victory mean pre-1945?

3. In a conversation between JFK and Robert, how far did JFK say that he wanted to push the Russians?

4. Who is supposed to declare war according to the Constitution?

5. Who would not allow Russian planes to refuel or land in Dakar?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does an official from the Soviet Embassy deliver a message in an unorthodox manner? Why is it thought to be credible? What was the message?

2. What is one example Robert provides of a devil's advocate working?

3. How was the official letter sent by the Soviets on October 27th different from the letter sent October 26th?

4. How does JFK view the military advisers recommending war? Why does he feel this way?

5. In the letter received October 26th, what does Khrushchev claim is the reason he sent weapons to Cuba?

6. After the Soviet's agree to a stand down, JFK makes an analogy between himself and Abraham Lincoln. What does he say and what does it mean?

7. What did RFK believe was wrong with the letter drafted by the State Department that was written in response to the letter received October 27th, and what did he suggest they write instead?

8. In the letter drafted by Robert and Sorenson in response to Khrushchev's letter received October 26th, what is the "first ingredient" (79) to a peaceful arrangement? Why?

9. Khrushchev uses several metaphors in his letter to JFK. What is one metaphor and what does it mean?

10. Who did JFK seek advice from? Why?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

In an essay compare the "hawks" and "doves" from Thirteen Days. What does the symbol mean? Who was a hawk? A dove? How do the symbols help to illustrate their differences?

(see the answer keys)

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