1. Kennedy described Wednesday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct. 27 as the darkest days of the crisis. Use the information on page 350 to explain why.
October 24:
The blockade begins.
Soviet ships enter the 500 mile blockade zone
10:30 AM The closest 20 ship stop, some turn around
October 27:
Khruschev sends a letter to Kennedy saying that in order for him to order that the missiles in Cuba be destroyed (or at least taken out of Cuba) Kennedy has to agree to do the same in Turkey.
Kennedy refuses

2. Do you think that nuclear war was ever a possibility in this crisis?
Yes. I believe that nuclear war was deffinatly a possibility however both sides (America and the Soviets) wanted to avoid it. This is clearly shown through there actions. Actions such as Kennedy's decision to blackade rather than attack and potentially provoke the USSR. Khruschev sent multiple letters to Kennedy to avoid an actual conflict. And of course niether of them actually sent an atomic bomb to its enemy. Although bough side were reeluctent I believe that both side were seriously considering an atomic war.

3. Is Source 26 a Soviet or an American cartoon? Explain your answer by referring to the details in the cartoon.
I believe that this is an american cartoon (or at least an american ally cartoon) because although it is very hard to notice which person in the cartoon (Kennedy or Khruschev) has the upper hand, Khruschef has little beads of sweat exploding out of his head this shows that he is stressed. Kennedy is also drawn in a very composed manner (if that makes sence) in compareison to Khruschev's sweatyness he seems much more relaxed.

4. Using Source 27 list any evidence you can find for and against each of the explanations.
To Bargain With the USA:
FOR: On October 27 Khruschev sent Kennedy a letter that said that he would take the missiles out of Cuba if Kennedy agreed to take the US missiles out of Turkey.

To Test the US:
Kennedy was a young president (the youngest president ever elected in the US) and Khruschev thought that he could take advantege of him.

To Get the Upperhand in the Arms Race:
The US had positioned many atomic missiles in eastern european and the soviets were eager to place missiles with a similar proximity to america.