The United States took action against communism in several different parts of the world. Why did Kennedy impose a naval blockade on Cuba in October 1962?

Level 4: Explains two reasons. 6 marks
Level 3: Explains one reason. 4-5 marks
Four marks for one explanation, five marks for explanation supported by specific contextual knowledge.
- Kennedy did this because the alternative was an air strike at the missile sites or even an invasion of Cuba. Both of these were very dangerous and could have easily led to a war between the US and the Soviet Union. Also, the Americans remembered the fiasco of the Bay of Pigs. Kennedy was doing what he could to avoid the situation getting worse while at the same time standing up to the Soviets.

Level 2: Identifies or describes valid reason(s); addresses the question but does not explain. 2-3 marks

One Level 2 mark for each identification/description.
- Because Soviet missile sites had been seen in Cuba.
- There was a threat of attack on US cities from Cuba.
- It avoided an invasion or attack on Cuba.
- Kennedy did this because it gave Khrushchev a way out without it looking as if he had been defeated.
- It showed that he was standing up to the Soviets.
- It was to stop the Soviets from bringing extra materials for the missile sites.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- Kennedy said that Soviet ships would not be allowed to sail to Cuba. He said they would be turned back.

Accept all valid responses.
Level 0: No creditable response. 0 marks