History Buffs: Thirteen Days

History Buffs・2 minutes read

The Cuban Missile Crisis is explored in detail in the political thriller 'Thirteen Days', focusing on the US-USSR tensions during a dangerous period in the Cold War, showcasing Kennedy's decision-making process during the crisis. The film accurately recreated historical events but exaggerated Kenny O'Donnell's role, highlighting the importance of maintaining historical accuracy while adapting real events for entertainment purposes.

Insights

  • The Cuban Missile Crisis was a result of the USSR's post-World War II ambitions in Eastern Europe, leading to tensions with the US over Berlin and highlighting the clash between capitalism and communism.
  • Kennedy's handling of the crisis involved intense debates within the Executive Committee of the National Security Council, considering options like air strikes, invasion, and a blockade, ultimately opting for a quarantine to avoid direct conflict and seeking a diplomatic resolution with the USSR.

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Recent questions

  • What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

    A pivotal event during the Cold War.

  • Who initiated the Bay of Pigs invasion?

    Eisenhower and Kennedy were involved.

  • What was the purpose of the quarantine announced by Kennedy?

    To address the Cuban Missile Crisis.

  • How did the crisis escalate to DEFCON 2?

    Due to the nuclear bomber fleet readiness.

  • What was the outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

    Soviet dismantling of weapons in Cuba.

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Summary

00:00

Thirteen Days: Cuban Missile Crisis Unveiled

  • The Cuban Missile Crisis, a pivotal moment in history, is explored in the political thriller 'Thirteen Days', focusing on a dangerous fortnight during the Cold War.
  • The crisis stemmed from the USSR's desire to establish control in Eastern Europe post-World War II, leading to tensions with the US over Berlin.
  • The division of Berlin highlighted the disparity between capitalism and communism, prompting a mass exodus from East to West Berlin.
  • Fidel Castro's rise in Cuba strained US-Cuban relations, with Eisenhower initiating a trade embargo and Kennedy inheriting plans for a covert invasion.
  • Kennedy's failed Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba led to a tense meeting with Khrushchev, who later initiated the construction of the Berlin Wall.
  • The discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba in October 1962 prompted Kennedy to form the Executive Committee of the National Security Council (ExComm).
  • ExComm debated various options to address the crisis, including air strikes, invasion, and a blockade of Cuba.
  • Kennedy's meeting with Soviet Foreign Minister Gromyko tested Soviet honesty, while US intelligence discovered more advanced missile sites in Cuba.
  • The idea of a blockade gained traction as the Joint Chiefs opposed it, fearing it was akin to appeasement.
  • Amidst internal debates and military distrust, Kennedy faced pressure to make a decision while maintaining appearances on the campaign trail.

13:07

Cuban Missile Crisis: Kennedy's Quarantine Decision

  • More than 40 U.S. warships traveled to Vieques, Puerto Rico, under the guise of a training exercise, but actually for early invasion preparations.
  • The fictional dictator 'Ortsac' was a cover for attacking Castro, spelled backward.
  • Pressure mounted for a quick decision, with the administration needing to act before being cornered by the press.
  • Bobby believed a clear majority supported a decision, prompting the return of the President to Washington.
  • JFK and Vice President Johnson feigned illnesses in Chicago and Hawaii, respectively, to facilitate the return.
  • Adlai Stevenson proposed a deal involving Guantanamo and Turkish missiles, but it was rejected as appeasement.
  • Kennedy directed focus on a quarantine instead of a blockade due to legalities.
  • The President announced the quarantine on live TV, with Congressional leaders reluctantly supporting the action.
  • The quarantine was supported by the Organisation of American States, giving Kennedy international backing.
  • The crisis escalated to DEFCON 2 without Kennedy's direct decision, with the nuclear bomber fleet on the brink of war.

26:05

Cuban Missile Crisis: Tensions, Negotiations, Resolutions

  • Stevenson presented evidence of missile sites in Cuba to the Security Council
  • Kennedy considered invasion or trade as the only options to end the crisis
  • Predictions of casualties in an invasion scenario went as high as 18,484 in the first 10 days
  • Fomin, head of the KGB Washington station, proposed a three-point plan to Scali involving missile removal under UN supervision
  • Khrushchev sent a private letter to Kennedy, indicating stress and potential resolution terms
  • Major Anderson's U2 was shot down over Cuba, escalating tensions
  • Kennedy resisted an all-out attack but faced pressure to strike the SAM site
  • ExComm decided to accept the first letter from Khrushchev and ignore the second
  • Bobby Kennedy delivered a secret supplement message to Dobrynin, proposing missile removal from Turkey in exchange for Cuban missile removal
  • A Soviet submarine nearly launched a nuclear torpedo due to miscommunication, averted by Second Captain Arkhipov

37:58

"Thirteen Days" film depicts Cuban Missile Crisis

  • A Navy pilot dropped flares to light up camera lenses, leading to the assumption of a submarine attack by Savitsky.
  • Savitsky ordered the loading of a torpedo, authorizing the first battlefield use of a nuclear weapon.
  • A signals officer's fumble with a searchlight in the shaft delayed Captain Arkhipov, who then spotted a Navy searchlight signal, averting a nuclear conflict.
  • Krushchev, unaware of the near-miss, received Kennedy's non-invasion pledge but not news of a secret swap from Dobrynin.
  • Krushchev, realizing the final chance for diplomacy, swiftly dictated a reply and ordered its immediate broadcast.
  • Kennedy, relieved by the Soviet dismantling of weapons in Cuba, prepared for Mass and later sent letters to the Soviet leader and Major Rudolf Anderson's family.
  • The film "Thirteen Days" accurately recreated historical events, meticulously detailing the White House and other settings.
  • The film incorporated real history, Kennedy's letters, and lines from historical sources, but exaggerated Kenny O'Donnell's role in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
  • O'Donnell's son's involvement in the film's production influenced the portrayal of O'Donnell, deviating from historical accuracy but not undermining the film's overall message.
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