What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal moment in the Cold War characterized by a confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union. It occurred in October 1962 when the US discovered that the Soviet Union had placed nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from US shores. The crisis escalated tensions globally as the US responded with a naval blockade aimed at preventing further shipments of military equipment to Cuba and demanded the removal of the missiles.

The significance of this event lies in its demonstration of the direct confrontation between the two superpowers, leading to a 13-day standoff that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Ultimately, through negotiations, a resolution was reached whereby the Soviet Union agreed to dismantle its missiles in Cuba in exchange for a US promise not to invade Cuba and a secret agreement to remove US missiles from Turkey.

Understanding this context highlights the essence of the Cuban Missile Crisis as a confrontation over missiles and the policy implications of nuclear deterrence that are still relevant in discussions about international relations and military strategy today.