history cold war + cuban missile crisis

What was the Cold War?

A political, ideological, and military rivalry (c. 1947–1991) between the United States (capitalist democracy) and the Soviet Union (communist dictatorship), marked by indirect conflicts, arms races, and nuclear tension.

What caused the Cold War?

Post-WWII tensions, ideological differences, competition for global influence, nuclear arms race, and mutual distrust between the US and USSR.

What is meant by "ideological conflict" in the Cold War?

Capitalism vs. Communism: the US promoted free-market democracy, while the USSR promoted a centrally controlled, one-party state.

What was Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD)?

A Cold War doctrine that both superpowers had enough nuclear weapons to destroy each other, deterring either side from initiating a nuclear conflict.

What role did proxy wars play in the Cold War?

The US and USSR supported opposing sides in regional conflicts (e.g., Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan) to expand influence without direct conflict.

What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

A 13-day standoff in October 1962 between the USA and USSR over Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war.

What event sparked the crisis?

US spy planes discovered Soviet missile installations under construction in Cuba.

Why did the USSR place missiles in Cuba?

To counter US missiles in Turkey, protect Cuba from future US invasion, and shift the nuclear balance closer to the US mainland.

Why did Cuba align with the Soviet Union?

After the 1959 revolution, Fidel Castro nationalized American businesses and turned to the USSR for economic and military support.

What was the Bay of Pigs invasion (1961)?

A failed CIA-backed attempt by Cuban exiles to overthrow Castro, which strengthened Cuba’s ties with the USSR.

Who was John F. Kennedy?

US President (1961–1963) during the Cuban Missile Crisis; chose a naval blockade and negotiated with Khrushchev to avoid war.

Who was Nikita Khrushchev?

Soviet Premier who placed missiles in Cuba to deter the US and defend Cuba; eventually agreed to remove them in return for US concessions.

Who was Fidel Castro?

Cuban revolutionary leader who became Prime Minister in 1959 and aligned with the USSR after US hostility toward his regime.

What did the US initially do in response to the missiles in Cuba?

Kennedy ordered a naval “quarantine” (blockade) to stop further Soviet shipments to Cuba.

Why was the term “quarantine” used instead of “blockade”?

“Blockade” implied an act of war under international law; “quarantine” was seen as less aggressive.

What were the two letters from Khrushchev?

First letter (Oct 26): proposed removing missiles if US pledged not to invade Cuba.

Second letter (Oct 27): demanded removal of US missiles from Turkey.

What deal ended the crisis?

Public: USSR removed missiles from Cuba in exchange for US non-invasion pledge.

Secret: US also agreed to remove missiles from Turkey.

What were the immediate results of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Nuclear war was avoided; both sides stepped back from confrontation.

Who was seen as the “winner” of the crisis?

Kennedy was praised for avoiding war; Khrushchev faced criticism at home for backing down.

What long-term impact did the crisis have on US–USSR relations?

Led to improved communication (hotline established in 1963) and future arms control agreements (e.g., Nuclear Test Ban Treaty).

What was the impact on Cuba?

Isolated from the US, became economically and militarily dependent on the USSR.

What is a trade embargo?

A government order that restricts trade with a specific country—in this case, the US embargo against Cuba starting in the early 1960s.

What is escalation in the context of the Cold War?

The process by which a conflict intensifies, particularly toward the possibility of nuclear war.

What does “deterrence” mean in Cold War terms?

Preventing enemy action through the threat of severe retaliation, especially nuclear.

What is brinkmanship?

The policy of pushing a dangerous situation to the edge of disaster to force the opponent to back down.