To avoid the aggressive connotations of the word 'blockade,' which could be seen as an act of war, what term did the Kennedy administration use for the naval barrier around Cuba?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Quarantine
A 'quarantine' was legally distinct from a 'blockade' because it focused specifically on offensive military equipment rather than all trade. This allowed the U.S. to stop Soviet ships without technically committing an act of war.
Keep practicing
More Cuban Missile Crisis questions
- What secret agreement did the United States make regarding its own missiles to facilitate the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba?
- Which international organization did U.S. Ambassador Adlai Stevenson address, famously presenting photographic evidence of the missiles?
- What was the primary Soviet motivation for placing nuclear missiles in Cuba?
- On October 27, known as 'Black Saturday,' what event brought the two superpowers closest to active military conflict?
- As a direct result of the crisis, what communication link was established between the White House and the Kremlin to prevent future misunde…
- Which policy, describing the catastrophic outcome of a full-scale nuclear exchange, became the cornerstone of Cold War deterrence after 196…