How did Kennedy respond to missiles being in Cuba?

When President John F. Kennedy was informed that the Soviet Union had placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, he took several steps in response:

1. Executive Committee (ExComm) Formation: Kennedy formed a special committee called the Executive Committee of the National Security Council (ExComm) to discuss and develop options for addressing the situation.

2. Diplomatic Efforts: Kennedy initiated diplomatic efforts to communicate the seriousness of the situation to Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. He made it clear that the United States would not allow the missiles to remain in Cuba and pressed for their immediate removal.

3. Naval Blockade: On October 22, 1962, Kennedy announced a naval blockade, also known as a "quarantine," to prevent the Soviet Union from delivering more missiles or other military equipment to Cuba. This action aimed to exert pressure on the Soviet Union and prevent further escalation.

4. Public Address: On October 22, 1962, Kennedy delivered a televised address to the nation, informing the public about the Soviet missile installations in Cuba. He explained the seriousness of the situation, assured Americans of the government's commitment to security, and urged the Soviet Union to remove the missiles.

5. Secret Channels of Communication: Kennedy used backchannel diplomatic channels to communicate privately with Khrushchev, seeking a peaceful resolution. These efforts were successful in conveying the urgency and potential consequences of the situation.

6. Limited Military Action Preparations: Kennedy ordered the U.S. military to prepare for a possible military response if diplomatic efforts failed. This included mobilizing troops and issuing plans for an airstrike on the missile sites if necessary.

7. Strategic Defense Initiatives: Kennedy implemented strategic defense measures, such as increasing missile readiness and deploying anti-aircraft systems, to bolster U.S. defense capabilities.

Ultimately, Kennedy's combination of diplomatic pressure, public communication, and military preparedness led to the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Khrushchev agreed to remove the missiles from Cuba in exchange for a promise from Kennedy not to invade Cuba and a secret pledge to withdraw U.S. Jupiter missiles from Turkey.