President Kennedy’s Decisions

Worksheet Description

This worksheet looks at the decisions made by President Kennedy during the tense period of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Presented in an essay format, it prompts students to explore the various options available to President Kennedy in addressing the threat of Soviet missiles in Cuba. The worksheet then asks students to identify which of these options Kennedy ultimately selected and to critically evaluate whether they believe it was the best choice. The accompanying imagery of a missile underscores the gravity of the situation, and the extensive lines provided suggest an expectation for a detailed written response.

The primary aim of this worksheet is to foster critical thinking and analysis in students concerning historical events. By prompting students to delve deeper into Kennedy’s decision-making process, it encourages them to consider the complexities and potential ramifications of political decisions during crises. Moreover, the worksheet emphasizes the importance of backing one’s opinion with facts and understanding. By seeking students’ perspective on whether Kennedy made the “best” decision, it also promotes introspection, pushing students to define their criteria for evaluating historical actions and outcomes.