Have students create a timeline of the events that culminated in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 under President John F. Kennedy. Students will outline and define the events that led to both the U.S. and U.S.S.R. being on the brink of nuclear war. This will highlight major global policies and negotiations that took place to avoid conflict and nuclear destruction. In addition, this will help summarize the growing tensions that existed between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. when Kennedy took office, and elucidate how the Cold War was a continuous ideological conflict.
For an alternative to the timeline layout, have students create a timeline poster to incorporate into a presentation or gallery walk. You can add more than one template to this assignment to give students lots of options!
Extended Activity
Have students create a timeline of events affecting the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, led by Fidel Castro. This will highlight America’s sour relationship with the small, communist nation and how the U.S. responded over the years. Students should try to also connect to current day events, i.e. the Cuban embargo being lifted and improved relations with Cuba in 2015.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a timeline detailing events leading up to and during the Cuban Missile Crisis.