What action did Kennedy take on Oct 20, 1962?

• A. Declared a U.S. naval blockade around Cuba
• B. Initiated diplomatic talks with Khrushchev
• C. Announced invasion of Cuba
• D. Called for nuclear attack readiness

Answer: (A)

The action being tested is the use of a naval quarantine to stop the flow of weapons to Cuba during the Missile Crisis. On that date, Kennedy authorized a plan to halt and inspect ships bound for Cuba, effectively setting up a maritime blockade around the island. This move showed resolve and created time and space for diplomacy without immediately unleashing invasion forces. Framed as a quarantine rather than a declaration of war, it kept options open while pressuring the Soviet Union to reconsider its position. The blockade pressured Khrushchev into negotiations and helped lead to a peaceful settlement in which missiles were removed from Cuba in exchange for U.S. concessions, including later steps to reduce tensions.