Thirteen Days Viewing Guide Assessment

In what year does the Cuban Missile Crisis take place?

Answer explanation

The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred in 1962, a pivotal moment during the Cold War when the United States and the Soviet Union faced off over the presence of Soviet missiles in Cuba.

How did the United States find the missiles in Cuba? (a)  

• Aerial photographs taken by an U2 plane

• Satellite images from a commercial provider

• Reports from local fishermen

• Confessions from Cuban officials

Answer explanation

The United States discovered the missiles in Cuba through aerial photographs taken by a U2 plane, which provided clear evidence of the missile installations, leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis.

What is, according to O’Donnell, the only word in politics?

Answer explanation

According to O’Donnell, the only word in politics is 'loyalty'. This emphasizes the importance of allegiance and commitment in political relationships and actions.

What country put the missiles in Cuba? (a)  

• Soviet Union

• United States

• Canada

• Mexico

Answer explanation

The missiles in Cuba were placed there by the Soviet Union in 1962, leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis. This event heightened tensions during the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States.

Finish This Quote- “The Soviet understands only one language. Action. Respects only one word. _______________”

Answer explanation

The correct completion of the quote is 'Force'. This emphasizes that the Soviet Union responds to strength and power, highlighting a belief in the necessity of force in international relations.

General LeMay refers to the “Big Red Dog.” What does the color red symbolize? (a)   and/or​ (b)  

• Communism

• the Soviet Union

• Cuba

• Socialism

Answer explanation

The color red is commonly associated with Communism and the Soviet Union, symbolizing revolutionary movements and ideologies. Thus, in the context of General LeMay's reference, it signifies these political concepts.

What is Operation Ortsac and why is its name significant?

• Operation Ortsac was a covert U.S. operation in Cuba during during the Cold War, named after 'Castro' spelled backward.

• Operation Ortsac was a naval exercise in the Mediterranean, named after a historical battle.

• Operation Ortsac was a humanitarian mission in Africa, named after a famous river.

Answer explanation

Operation Ortsac was a covert U.S. operation in Cuba during the Cold War, and its name is significant because it is 'Castro' spelled backward, highlighting its focus on opposing Fidel Castro's regime.

Kennedy announces that there will be a “strict q________________.”

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'quarantine' as it fits the context of Kennedy's announcement. The word should be in lowercase to match the sentence structure, indicating a strict measure to control the spread of disease.

The commander meets the military officials. What was his response when asked whether or not he was fired upon? “It was a ______________________, sir.”

Answer explanation

The correct response is "cakewalk". This term means an easy task, suggesting the commander did not face significant danger. The other options are incorrect due to formatting or capitalization.

The evidence of one letter being written by Khrushchev and one letter being someone else leads the American government to believe a (a)   has taken place.

• coup

• celebration

• vacation

• misunderstanding

Answer explanation

The mention of letters from Khrushchev and another individual suggests a significant political event, leading the American government to suspect a coup has occurred, rather than a celebration, vacation, or misunderstanding.