Francis Gary Powers on Release From Soviets
After his return to the United States, American U-2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers is questioned by the media about his capture and subsequent hearing before the Senate Armed Services Select Committee on March 6, 1962. Powers had been shot down over central Russia on May 1, 1960, and arrested by Soviet authorities. Two years later, he was released by the Soviets in a spy exchange with the United States.
Related Speeches & Audio (10)
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Francis Gary Powers on Release From Soviets
Francis Gary Powers on Release From SovietsAudio Clip (1:19)
Audio Clip (1:19)
After his return to the United States, American U-2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers is questioned by the media about his capture and subsequent hearing before the Senate Armed Services Select Committee on March 6, 1962. Powers had been shot down over central Russia on May 1, 1960, and arrested by Soviet authorities. Two years later, he was released by the Soviets in a spy exchange with the United States.
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Francis Gary Powers Makes Final Plea Before Moscow Court
Francis Gary Powers Makes Final Plea Before Moscow CourtAudio Clip (0:38)
Audio Clip (0:38)
Radio Moscow broadcasts the confession of captured American U-2 spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers, who had been shot down over central Russia on May 1, 1960, and arrested by Soviet authorities.
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U.S. and U.S.S.R. Tussle Over Germany
U.S. and U.S.S.R. Tussle Over GermanyAudio Clip (2:38)
Audio Clip (2:38)
Upon his return from commanding U.S. occupation forces in Germany, Gen. Lucius Clay holds a press conference on May 17, 1949, and fields questions about the growing tension between the United States and the Soviets over the division of Germany.
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LeMay and Kennedy Argue Over Cuban Missile Crisis
LeMay and Kennedy Argue Over Cuban Missile CrisisAudio Clip (1:42)
Audio Clip (1:42)
In a secretly recorded meeting on October 19, 1962, President John F. Kennedy discusses the Cuban missile crisis with his military advisors. After criticizing Kennedy’s call to blockade the island as too weak a response, Gen. Curtis LeMay, Air Force chief of staff, tells the president that his refusal to invade Cuba would encourage the Soviets to move on Berlin.
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Henry Cabot Lodge Urges U.N. Action on Hungary
Henry Cabot Lodge Urges U.N. Action on HungaryAudio Clip (0:22)
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U.S. Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. calls an emergency meeting of the U.N. General Assembly after Hungarians begin revolting against communist rule in October 1956.
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Cold War Arms Race
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Audio Clip (2:24)
On March 21, 1960, U.S. Vice Admiral Hyman Rickover discusses the importance of keeping abreast of Soviet technological developments.
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Kennedy on the Buildup of Arms in Cuba
Kennedy on the Buildup of Arms in CubaAudio Clip (7:35)
Audio Clip (7:35)
On October 22, 1962, in a national statement, President John F. Kennedy discloses that U.S. spy planes discovered the placement of Soviet offensive missiles in Cuba.
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Kennedy Speaks Before Meeting Khrushchev
Kennedy Speaks Before Meeting KhrushchevAudio Clip (1:09)
Audio Clip (1:09)
At a May 31, 1961, Paris press conference, President John F. Kennedy describes his principal aim for meeting with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev at the Geneva summit, the first between the two superpowers since 1960.
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Reagan Supports Poland's Solidarity Movement
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In late 1981, in an address to the nation, President Ronald Reagan condemned the recent communist crackdown on the Solidarity Movement in Poland.
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Ronald Reagan on Iran-Contra Hearings
Ronald Reagan on Iran-Contra HearingsAudio Clip (2:56)
Audio Clip (2:56)
In 1987, Congress held 40 days of public hearings on the Iran-Contra affair during which they listened to 28 witnesses give more than 250 hours of testimony. On August 12, 1987, in a live broadcast from the Oval Office, President Ronald Reagan comments on the recent congressional hearings now that they are over.
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