August Heats Up

Follow the events of August 1962, as Cold War tensions continue to unfold in the run-up to the Cuban missile crisis.

BY RACHEL DOBBS | AUGUST 2, 2012



Aug. 20, 1962 

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maxwell Taylor (above left) informs Kennedy that he doesn't believe Castro's government can be overthrown without direct U.S. military intervention.

On Taylor's recommendation, Kennedy authorizes more aggressive plans to oust Castro "with all possible speed" but forbids direct U.S. military involvement.

The CIA also establishes a working group to study the Soviet buildup in Cuba in greater detail.

AFP/AFP/Getty Images 

 

Rachel Dobbs is a research assistant with the Cuban Missile Crisis +50 project. You can follow the project on Twitter at @missilecrisis62.