Overview
This lecture covers the Cuban Missile Crisis, a pivotal event during the Cold War when the world narrowly avoided nuclear war due to tense diplomacy and critical decisions.
Background to the Cuban Missile Crisis
- After World War II, the Cold War pitted the U.S. and Soviet Union in a global power struggle.
- Both nations possessed nuclear weapons capable of mass destruction.
- In 1961, the U.S. failed to overthrow Cuba's communist government in the Bay of Pigs invasion.
- Cuba sought protection from the Soviet Union after the failed invasion.
Events Leading to the Crisis
- Soviet leader Khrushchev secretly installed nuclear missiles in Cuba to counter U.S. missiles in Italy and Turkey.
- U.S. intelligence detected the missile sites after materials were already in place.
The Crisis Unfolds
- On October 16, 1962, U.S. military advisors recommended airstrikes and invasion; Kennedy opted for a naval "quarantine."
- A naval blockade, even called a quarantine, was considered an act of war by the Soviets.
- Khrushchev strongly protested the U.S. actions, calling them aggressive and dangerous.
Tense Stand-Off and Near Nuclear War
- The U.S. demanded missile removal; the Soviets and Cuba claimed the missiles were defensive.
- On October 27, a U.S. spy plane was shot down, and a Soviet submarine nearly launched a nuclear torpedo, stopped only by Vasili Arkhipov's refusal.
- The U.S. set its military to DEFCON 2, the highest alert short of nuclear war.
Resolution and Aftermath
- Secret negotiations occurred between U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy and Soviet Ambassador Dobrynin.
- Agreement: U.S. would remove missiles from Turkey and Italy and not invade Cuba, in exchange for Soviet missile withdrawal from Cuba.
- Khrushchev agreed, ending the crisis.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Cold War — Period of geopolitical tension between the U.S. and Soviet Union after WWII.
- Cuban Missile Crisis — 13-day confrontation in 1962 over Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba.
- Bay of Pigs — Failed 1961 U.S. invasion of Cuba to overthrow Fidel Castro's government.
- Quarantine — Naval blockade of Cuba by the U.S., avoiding the term "blockade" to reduce war tensions.
- DEFCON 2 — U.S. military alert status signifying imminent possibility of nuclear war.
- Vasili Arkhipov — Soviet officer who prevented a nuclear torpedo launch during the crisis.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review detailed timeline of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
- Study the roles of key figures (Kennedy, Khrushchev, Arkhipov).
- Prepare for questions on Cold War diplomacy and crisis management.