The Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 was a tense standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over Soviet missiles installed in Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida. The U.S. discovered the missiles via surveillance, viewing them as a direct threat to national security. President John F. Kennedy responded with a naval blockade and demanded removal. After intense negotiations, the Soviets agreed to withdraw the missiles in exchange for the U.S. promising not to invade Cuba and secretly removing U.S. missiles from Turkey. The crisis highlighted the dangers of nuclear arms and led to better communication between superpowers.