In October 1962, President Kennedy's televised address characterized his administration's stance toward Soviet missile deployment in Cuba as one of...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
In October 1962, President Kennedy's televised address characterized his administration's stance toward Soviet missile deployment in Cuba as one of direct confrontation and active prevention: ______
Which quotation from President Kennedy's October 1962 address most effectively illustrates the described stance?
"It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any nuclear missile launched from Cuba against any nation in the Western Hemisphere as an attack by the Soviet Union on the United States, requiring a full retaliatory response upon the Soviet Union."
"We have been determined not to be diverted from our central concerns by mere irritants and fanatics. Our policy has been one of patience and restraint, as befits a peaceful and powerful nation."
"The path we have chosen is full of hazards, as all paths are—but it is the one most consistent with our character and courage as a nation and our commitments around the world."
"We must not permit the Soviets to believe that we are weak or irresolute, but neither should we take actions that might escalate this crisis into something far more dangerous for all mankind."
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Part A: Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "In October 1962, President Kennedy's televised address characterized his administration's stance toward Soviet missile deployment in Cuba as one of direct confrontation and active prevention:" |
|
Part B: Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[KENNEDY'S STATED STANCE] → Direct confrontation + Active prevention → [NEED EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THIS CHARACTERIZATION]
Main Point: Kennedy's 1962 address took a stance of direct confrontation and active prevention regarding Soviet missiles in Cuba, and we need evidence that illustrates this approach.
Argument Flow: The sentence establishes Kennedy's approach as combining direct confrontation with active prevention, setting up the need for a quotation that demonstrates both these elements working together.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
This is a fill-in-the-blank question asking us to choose the best logical connector. The answer must create the right relationship between what comes before and after the blank.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- The correct answer must show Kennedy taking a "direct confrontation" approach - meaning he's clearly opposing the Soviets and not backing down
- It also needs to show "active prevention" - meaning he's taking concrete steps to prevent the missile threat, not just responding after something happens
- We need a quote that combines both aggressive, confrontational language with proactive policy measures that prevent missile deployment or use
"It shall be the policy of this nation to regard any nuclear missile launched from Cuba against any nation in the Western Hemisphere as an attack by the Soviet Union on the United States, requiring a full retaliatory response upon the Soviet Union."
- Shows direct confrontation by treating any missile launch as a Soviet attack on the US
- Shows active prevention through establishing a clear deterrent policy - the threat of "full retaliatory response" is meant to prevent launches from happening
- Combines both elements perfectly: confronts the Soviets directly while actively preventing missile use through deterrence
"We have been determined not to be diverted from our central concerns by mere irritants and fanatics. Our policy has been one of patience and restraint, as befits a peaceful and powerful nation."
- Describes a policy of "patience and restraint" which is the opposite of direct confrontation - it's measured and diplomatic
"The path we have chosen is full of hazards, as all paths are—but it is the one most consistent with our character and courage as a nation and our commitments around the world."
- Speaks vaguely about choosing a hazardous path consistent with national character
- Doesn't specify what confrontational actions were taken or how threats were actively prevented
"We must not permit the Soviets to believe that we are weak or irresolute, but neither should we take actions that might escalate this crisis into something far more dangerous for all mankind."
- Shows a balanced, cautious approach - wanting to appear strong but avoid escalation
- This describes moderation and careful diplomacy, not direct confrontation