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The Cuban Missile Crisis: The Battle for Nuclear Supremacy

A Dangerous Showdown Between Superpowers

Introduction

  • The Cuban Missile Crisis was the closest the world has come to nuclear apocalypse
  • Escalating arms race led to Soviet missiles in Cuba aimed at US
  • 120,000 soldiers gathered in Florida
  • 3,000 American nuclear weapons locked onto Soviet targets
  • A battle for nuclear superiority just 90 miles from US coast

Background: Cold War Tensions

  • United States had a significant lead in the arms race
  • Installed Jupiter nuclear missiles in Italy and Turkey
  • American advantage allowed upper hand in cold war confrontations
  • Soviet leader Nikita K relied on threats and bluff for control

Cuba's Communist Victory

  • Cuban communist revolutionary Fidel Castro gained power in 1959
  • Surprising victory for US officials as Cuba was popular among Americans
  • American-owned banks, casinos, and plantations nationalized
  • Castro turned to Soviet Union for help and protection

Bay of Pigs Invasion

  • In April 1961, the US launched the Bay of Pigs invasion
  • CIA-trained Cuban exiles invaded to oppose Castro and eliminate communism
  • Invasion turned into a disaster with little support from the Cuban people
  • Kennedy refused air support to hide American involvement

Khrushchev's Missile Deployment

  • Soviet leader Khrushchev decided to deploy nuclear missiles to Cuba in 1962
  • Complete secrecy was insisted upon
  • Plan involved announcing a defense agreement with Castro
  • Troops were crammed beneath cargo ships and submarines for transportation

Discovery of Missiles by US

  • In October 1962, CIA presented Kennedy with evidence of missile sites in Cuba
  • Medium-range ballistic missiles capable of striking US cities
  • Threatened millions of civilian casualties
  • X com group of advisors established

Kennedy's Response: Naval Blockade

  • Kennedy had two options: naval blockade or air strikes
  • Naval blockade chosen to avoid provoking war
  • Implemented on October 22, 1962
  • Kennedy's televised announcement rallied public support

Critical Moments: Black Saturday

  • October 27, 1962 - Black Saturday
  • Castro urges Khrushchev to consider a nuclear first strike
  • Khrushchev proposes a deal to Kennedy to end the crisis
  • American spy plane shot down, tensions escalate

Kennedy's Last Hope

  • Kennedy turns to his brother Bobby for help
  • Negotiates a deal that meets the demands of X com
  • Offer includes removal of Jupiter missiles in Turkey
  • Bobby delivers the message to the Soviet ambassador

A Diplomatic Solution

  • Khrushchev accepts Kennedy's deal
  • Soviet forces ordered to dismantle missiles in Cuba
  • US blockade formally ended on November 20, 1962
  • Cuban Missile Crisis comes to an end

Aftermath and Lessons Learned

  • Castro angered by deal and doubts Soviet commitment
  • US military critical of the resolution
  • Hotline established for better communication
  • Steps taken to avoid similar crises in the future

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