CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS

What was the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The first and only nuclear confrontation between the U.S. and the USSR.
A 13-day standoff in October 1962 that nearly led to nuclear war.

When did the Cuban Missile Crisis happen?

October 22, 1962 – November 20, 1962.

Who were the key people involved?

Fidel Castro (Cuba), John F. Kennedy (U.S.), Nikita Khrushchev (USSR).

What was the context of the crisis?

Part of the Cold War power struggle between the U.S. and the USSR.

What event led the U.S. to discover Soviet missiles in Cuba?

October 14, 1962 – U-2 spy planes photographed Soviet missile sites under construction.

Why was the crisis so dangerous?

Missiles in Cuba could reach U.S. cities (New York, Washington) within minutes.
Both the U.S. and USSR were ready for nuclear war.

Who ruled Cuba before Fidel Castro?

Fulgencio Batista (authoritarian leader, backed by the U.S.).

What was Cuba’s economy like before the revolution?

Heavily dependent on sugar exports to the U.S.
American ownership of banks, plantations, and key industries.
Widespread corruption, social inequality, and poverty.

When did Fidel Castro come to power?

1959 – Cuban Revolution.

What were Castro’s goals after taking over Cuba?

Overthrow Batista’s corrupt regime.
End U.S. economic dominance in Cuba.
Reduce inequality through socialist reforms.

What changes did Castro make after the revolution?

Nationalized U.S.-owned businesses (banks, railroads, sugar plantations).
Redistributed land.
Invested in education and healthcare.

How did the U.S. respond to Castro’s nationalization of American-owned industries?

Imposed a trade embargo – economic blockade.
Cut off Cuban sugar exports, isolating Cuba economically.

Why did many Cubans flee to the U.S.?

Wealthy elites, business owners, and Batista supporters lost property when Castro nationalized industries.

How did the U.S. use Cuban refugees?

The CIA trained and armed Cuban exiles to overthrow Castro.

What was the Bay of Pigs invasion (1961)?

A failed U.S.-backed invasion by Cuban exiles to remove Castro.
Strengthened Castro’s alliance with the USSR.

Why did Cuba turn to the USSR for support?

The U.S. embargo left Cuba economically isolated.
The USSR provided financial, military, and political support in exchange for an ally near the U.S.

Why did Khrushchev see Cuba as an opportunity?

Placing Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba gave the USSR a strategic advantage over the U.S.

How did the U.S. discover Soviet missiles in Cuba?

October 14, 1962 – U-2 spy planes photographed Soviet nuclear missile sites.

What was Kennedy’s first major response?

October 22, 1962 – Announced a U.S. naval "Quarantine" (blockade) of Cuba.
Demanded the removal of the missiles.
Warned that any missile attack from Cuba would mean full U.S. retaliation.

How did tensions escalate?

Soviet ships carrying missiles continued toward Cuba, nearing the blockade.
October 24, 1962 – Khrushchev ordered the ships to stop, avoiding direct confrontation.
October 27, 1962 – Soviets shot down a U.S. U-2 spy plane over Cuba.
The U.S. prepared for a full-scale invasion of Cuba.

How was the crisis resolved?

The USSR agreed to remove its missiles from Cuba.
The U.S. promised not to invade Cuba.
Secret deal: The U.S. agreed to remove its missiles from Turkey later.

When did the crisis officially end?

October 28, 1962.

What did Kennedy publicly announce?

He accepted the Soviet offer of no invasion of Cuba.

What was the impact on the U.S.?

Kennedy’s leadership was strengthened.
The crisis showed the need for improved diplomacy to prevent future conflicts.

What was the impact on the USSR?

Khrushchev was seen as weak, damaging his reputation.
He was removed from power in 1964.

How did Castro feel about the resolution?

Felt betrayed by the Soviets for backing down.
Cuba remained communist but became more isolated.

What were the global consequences?

The U.S. and USSR created a direct “Hotline” (Washington-Moscow Direct Line) for faster communication.
1963 – Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (limiting nuclear testing).

Why is the Cuban Missile Crisis considered the most dangerous event of the Cold War?

It brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
Both the U.S. and USSR were on high alert.
If negotiations had failed, nuclear annihilation was possible.