Who was the U.S President during the Cuban Missile Crisis?
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal event in modern history that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. It was a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union that took place in October 1962. The crisis was sparked by the discovery of Soviet missile sites in Cuba, just 90 miles from the United States. The United States, led by President John F. Kennedy, demanded that the Soviet Union dismantle the sites, while the Soviet Union, led by Nikita Khrushchev, refused to comply.
Background to the Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a culmination of several years of tensions between the United States and Cuba. In 1959, a revolution led by Fidel Castro had overthrown the government of Cuba, and Castro had begun to establish close ties with the Soviet Union. In 1960, the United States had imposed an economic embargo on Cuba, which had severely damaged the country’s economy. In response, Castro had begun to nationalize American-owned properties and businesses in Cuba, and had established a close alliance with the Soviet Union.
The Discovery of Soviet Missile Sites
On October 14, 1962, a U-2 spy plane took off from Puerto Rico and began to circle Cuba. The plane’s mission was to gather intelligence on the island’s military capabilities. Over the next few days, the U-2 gathered photographic evidence of Soviet missile sites under construction in Cuba. The sites were armed with Nuclear Missiles, capable of striking targets in the United States.
The United States’ Response
On October 22, 1962, President Kennedy publicly announced the discovery of the Soviet missile sites and vowed to take action to remove them. He established a blockade of Cuba, and ordered American military forces to put on high alert. Kennedy also delivered a televised address to the American people, in which he explained the situation and called for calm.
The Soviet Union’s Response
The Soviet Union refused to comply with Kennedy’s demands, and Nikita Khrushchev responded with a series of aggressive statements and actions. Khrushchev sent a letter to Kennedy, threatening to destroy the United States if it invaded Cuba. He also ordered the Soviet military to prepare for war, and activated the Soviet military’s "war readiness" plan.
The Thirteen Days
The crisis escalated over the next few days, with both sides digging in and refusing to back down. The United States considered a military invasion of Cuba, but Kennedy was concerned about the potential risks and costs. The Soviet Union tested its missiles, and American military forces were placed on high alert.
The Resolution
On October 28, 1962, Kennedy delivered a televised address in which he announced that he would seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Khrushchev responded by agreeing to dismantle the Soviet missile sites, and the crisis was resolved.
Aftermath
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a significant turning point in the Cold War, and marked a major escalation in tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. The crisis also highlighted the danger of nuclear war, and led to a period of increased tensions and brinksmanship.
Key Dates
- October 14, 1962: U-2 spy plane discovers Soviet missile sites in Cuba
- October 22, 1962: Kennedy publicly announces the discovery and vows to take action
- October 28, 1962: Kennedy delivers televised address, Khrushchev agrees to dismantle missile sites
- October 31, 1962: The crisis is resolved, and the Soviet Union dismantles the missile sites
Key Players
- John F. Kennedy, President of the United States
- Nikita Khrushchev, Premier of the Soviet Union
- Fidel Castro, President of Cuba
- Robert Kennedy, Attorney General of the United States and brother of John F. Kennedy
- Robert McNamara, Secretary of Defense
Facts and Figures
- 13 days: The length of the Cuban Missile Crisis
- 144 Soviet missile sites: The number of sites discovered by the U-2 spy plane
- 20,000 Soviet troops: The number of troops stationed in Cuba at the height of the crisis
- Nuclear missiles: The type of missiles found in Cuba, capable of striking targets in the United States
- $6 billion: The cost of the crisis to the United States, according to some estimates
In conclusion, the Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal event in modern history that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. It was a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union that highlighted the danger of nuclear war and led to a period of increased tensions and brinksmanship.
