This dissertation examines the deliberations of the American government during the Cuban missile crisis of October 1962. Much has been written on this subject by those involved, either within the decision making process, or on the periphery - for instance, McGeorge Bundy, Abram Chayess, Raymond Garthoff, Ray Cline, and Robert Kennedy. However, none of these totally agree on what happened. Many myths have been related to events in the missile crisis, and it is the aim of this dissertation to dispel those myths and theories which are clearly inaccurate. The more fantastic myths are ignored here.
The Prologue gives an account of the disaster at the Bay of Pigs. The Introduction conveys what events led to the crisis, and how the missiles were discovered when they were. It also involves a discussion of Kennedy’s personal responsibility for the crisis. Chapter one has a lengthy examination of why the Kennedy administration felt forced to act. It also introduces the Excom (for membership see Appendix 1) and explains why there was no use of force during the first week. The role of law in the crisis is examined In regard to the institution of the naval blockade.
Chapter two considers what occurred during the international crisis of the second week, and the actions Kennedy took to maintain control. The way that the American government sought support for their actions from international organizations is also considered. It questions whether the crisis’s resolution was really effective. Chapter three aims to promote a better understanding of the decisions made by placing them in context with those made during the Berlin blockade of 1948-9. The role of domestic politics is divulged in both crises. Finally, the conclusion asserts reasons for Kennedy’s refusal to use force.

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A Russian Upstairs, Downstairs, but one scented with the cordite and fear of revolution. Miss Emmie is an intimate and revealing portrait of pre-Revolutionary Russian society which, contrary to received wisdoms, reveals a complex, liberal, and humane society, full of enormous potential and past achievement. It is also the biography of five intrepid women who, by traveling abroad and working as governesses in Russia, achieved an intellectual dignity, a purpose, and an authority that was denied them in their homeland. The extraordinary personal adventures of these women, as they negotiate the turmoil and terrifying anarchy of Revolution and Civil War, turns the book into a page-turning thriller.