Challenges to American power: the legacy of crises over Berlin and relations with Khrushchev; the challenge of Castro's Cuba; deepening involvement in Vietnam
By the early 1960s, America's claim to be the world's most powerful nation faced serious tests. Berlin, Cuba and Vietnam each exposed real limits to what American power could actually achieve.
Real World
The August 1961 construction of the Berlin Wall — overnight, East German soldiers strung barbed wire across the city — directly tested Kennedy's resolve, forcing him to decide whether defending West Berlin's freedom was worth risking nuclear war.
Exam Focus
Distinguish between Berlin, Cuba, and Vietnam as separate challenges; examiners penalise answers that conflate all three into a single 'Cold War threat.'
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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