Events during the Cuban Missile Crisis

Events During & Before Cuban Missile Crisis

Introduction

In October 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the USA and USSR to the brink of nuclear war. This event was shaped by a complex web of geopolitical and ideological factors. This lesson aims to outline these events and issues.

Ideological Differences

The USA and USSR were on opposite sides of the ideological spectrum: Capitalism vs. Communism. Both sought to expand their ideologies globally, contributing to international tensions.

Global Conflicts

Both nations were involved in conflicts around the world. The USSR controlled Eastern Europe and was engaged in Asia, while the USA was involved in conflicts like the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Leadership

The USA was led by President John F. Kennedy, and the USSR by Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Both leaders played critical roles during the crisis.

The U-2 Incident

On October 14, 1962, an American U-2 spy plane captured photographic evidence of Soviet nuclear weapons in Cuba. This initiated the crisis and led to a standoff between the two superpowers.

Decision-Making Dilemma

Kennedy faced a tough decision. While his advisors urged military action against Cuba, he feared this would escalate into a full-blown war and possibly provoke Soviet action in Berlin.

Naval Blockade

Kennedy decided to impose a naval blockade on Cuba, preventing further weapon supplies. He went public about the crisis and demanded the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba.

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Events during the Cuban Missile Crisis

Brinkmanship

Both nations came perilously close to war. A US spy plane was shot down by the Soviets, and depth charges were dropped near Soviet submarines. One wrong move could have triggered nuclear warfare.

Vasili Arkhipov's Role

Soviet navy officer Vasili Arkhipov prevented a catastrophe when he stopped the launch of a nuclear torpedo after a Soviet submarine mistook a US naval blockade as the start of a nuclear war.

Secret Negotiations and Resolution

Both sides engaged in secret talks to de-escalate the situation. Eventually, on October 28, 1962, the USSR agreed to remove its missiles from Cuba. The USA secretly agreed to remove its Jupiter missiles from Turkey and Italy

Post-Crisis Agreements

In the aftermath, a hotline was established between Moscow and Washington, and the 1963 Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed, banning nuclear tests in outer space and underwater.

Contributing Factors

Several issues led to the crisis, including:

• Fidel Castro's victory in Cuba
• US foreign policy
• Khrushchev's domestic and international stance
• Ideological differences
• The Arms Race

Conclusion

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal moment in Cold War history, underpinned by a host of complex issues and events. It serves as a sobering reminder of how close the world came to nuclear annihilation and the importance of diplomatic solutions to international conflicts.