JFK's Cold War Policies and Events

The video discusses JFK's focus on foreign policy, criticizing Eisenhower's defense spending. Kennedy aimed to diversify U.S. responses to global issues, moving away from brinkmanship. The Cuban Revolution led by Castro shifted Cuba to communism, alarming the U.S. The Bay of Pigs invasion failed, impacting Kennedy's reputation. The Berlin Crisis saw the construction of the Berlin Wall, with Kennedy affirming support for West Berlin. The Cuban Missile Crisis brought the U.S. and Soviet Union close to nuclear war, resolved by a naval blockade and diplomatic agreements. Kennedy's flexible response strategy extended to Vietnam, sending advisors to counter communism.

What was JFK's main criticism of Eisenhower's foreign policy?

• Too much focus on domestic issues

• Excessive military spending

• Lack of attention to the Soviet threat

• Over-reliance on nuclear weapons

Which new military unit did JFK establish as part of his flexible response strategy?

• Navy SEALs

• Green Berets

• Rangers

• Delta Force

What was the primary goal of the Bay of Pigs invasion?

• To establish a U.S. military base in Cuba

• To overthrow Fidel Castro's regime

• To support Cuban economic development

• To negotiate with the Soviet Union

What was the outcome of the Bay of Pigs invasion?

• A successful overthrow of Castro

• A diplomatic victory for the U.S.

• An increase in U.S.-Cuba trade

• A failed military operation

What did the construction of the Berlin Wall signify?

• The end of the Cold War

• The division of East and West Berlin

• The start of World War III

• The unification of Germany

How did JFK respond to the Berlin Wall crisis?

• He negotiated the wall's removal

• He made a speech supporting West Berlin

• He ignored the situation

• He ordered a military invasion

What event brought the U.S. and the Soviet Union closest to nuclear war?

• The Berlin Crisis

• The Cuban Missile Crisis

• The Vietnam War

• The Korean War

What was the U.S. response to the discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba?

• A full-scale invasion of Cuba

• A diplomatic negotiation

• A naval blockade around Cuba

• An airstrike on missile sites

What agreement was reached to resolve the Cuban Missile Crisis?

• The U.S. would invade Cuba

• The Soviet Union would keep its missiles in Cuba

• The U.S. would remove missiles from Turkey

• The Soviet Union would build more missile sites

What was JFK's initial approach to the situation in Vietnam?

• Sending combat troops

• Withdrawing all U.S. involvement

• Providing military advisors

• Negotiating with North Vietnam