The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day standoff in October 1962 between the United States and the Soviet Union over the installation of nuclear-armed Soviet missiles in Cuba.
President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation on October 22, 1962, announcing a naval blockade and the readiness to use military force if necessary.
The crisis ended with an agreement to remove the missiles in exchange for the U.S. not invading Cuba, and a secret agreement to remove U.S. missiles from Turkey.
Discovering the Missiles
Fidel Castro aligned Cuba with the Soviet Union after taking power in 1959, relying on Soviet aid.
The Cold War (1945-91) involved political and economic clashes between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
On October 14, 1962, a U-2 spy plane discovered Soviet SS-4 missiles in Cuba.
President Kennedy and his executive committee (ExComm) faced a diplomatic crisis.
A New Threat to the U.S.
The proximity of nuclear missiles in Cuba (90 miles off Florida) posed a significant threat.
The Soviet Union aimed to increase their nuclear strike capability.
The hostile U.S.-Cuba relationship included the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961.
Kennedy Weighs the Options
Options included bombing or invading Cuba.
Kennedy opted for a naval blockade and ultimatum for missile removal.
Americans prepared for potential nuclear war.
Showdown at Sea: U.S. Blockades Cuba
Soviet ships approached the blockade on October 24 but stopped short, avoiding confrontation.
Tensions continued as a U.S. reconnaissance plane was shot down on October 27.
A Deal Ends the Standoff
Khrushchev agreed to remove the missiles if the U.S. pledged not to invade Cuba.
A secret deal was made to remove U.S. missiles from Turkey.
Communication improvements and treaties followed to prevent future crises.
Significance
The crisis highlighted the potential for nuclear war and prompted the installation of a hotline between Washington and Moscow.
It accelerated the nuclear arms race, leading the Soviets to increase their intercontinental ballistic missile arsenal.