JFK: The Cuban Missile Crisis

John F. Kennedy’s gave his televised speech about the Cuban Missile Crisis on October 22, 1962, six days after he had learned about the Soviet missile bases in Cuba from aerial photographs. Although the Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs had claimed that the missiles were for “defensive purposes only”, Kennedy decided that they were a threat to national security. The day before he gave this speech, Kennedy decided on a plan including a naval blockade of all incoming ships to Cuba. The speech was Kennedy’s first time addressing the nation about the threat, and announcing his response plan.

Kennedy starts the speech off by announcing exactly what evidence he has seen of the missile buildup in Cuba. He then takes two statements given by Soviet officials, and proceeds to show that they are false. He gives a dramatic pause after he announces each statement, and then says “That statement was false,” really emphasizing the fact that we have been lied to by the Soviet Union.

Kennedy then discusses how the Soviet Union and the United States have previously adhered to rules regarding missile placement, and that the Soviet Union has really overstepped its bounds by doing this. He uses the catchphrase “clear and present danger”, a term quoted from a bill regarding First Amendment speech rights, to describe how dangerous these secretive missiles are in Cuba. Kennedy references World War II while making a point that not reacting to dangerous conduct can end very badly.

Kennedy then begins to outline his plan for response in step by step format, outlining the various actions he wants the United States to take. He begins each step by numbering it “First…, Second…, ect.” He concludes his plan by discussing how he wishes to negotiate the removal of arms from both sides, but cannot have comfortable diplomatic discussions when there is such an imminent threat to the United States.

Next, Kennedy actually addresses the Cuban people, emphasizing how he understands what Cubans want and how they live. He reviews their history, and then discusses how Cuba should not be under Soviet dominance. He finishes off addressing the Cuban citizens by telling them that “these new weapons are not in your interest. They contribute nothing to your peace and well-being. They can only undermine it.” He then stresses how the United States is on their side in this conflict.

Finally, Kennedy discusses the goal of worldwide peace and freedom he hopes to achieve, but discusses how the path there is “full of dangers”. His conclusion seems to be an attempt to call all nations together to help the United States fix this danger.