The Cuban Missile Crisis

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In October, 1962, leaders of the U.S. and the Soviet Union engaged in a harsh, thirteen-day political and military standoff over the installation of nuclear armed missiles in Cuba, exactly just 90 miles from the shoreline of Florida, this event was known as the Cuban Missile Crisis ("Cuban Missile Crisis"). This event was considered the climax of the Cold War between United States and the Soviet Union. Since the Cuban Revolution of 1959, tension and several situations have occurred between the U.S. and Cuba (Freedman 14-15). Before America helped Cuba fight off the Spanish for their independence, the Americans had strong political and economical affairs with Cuba ("Cuban Missile Crisis"). Though since the nation of Cuba was lead by communist leader Fidel Castro, they blocked all American relations from Cuba because the U.S didn't want anything to do with the communist party. Although there were many occasions where it impacted both America and Cuba, the Cuban Missile Crisis had the most effect on their long lasting fight ("Cuban Missile Crisis").

It all began after World War II, The Cold War which was a struggle between the United States and its allies and the Soviet Union. Although direct military warfare never took place, diplomatic and economic struggles occurred. It began when Joseph Stalin, leader of the Communist Party, used the Red Army to take control of most of the countries of Eastern Europe. The United States as well as Western European countries were concerned. In response to Stalin's actions, President Harry Truman issued the Truman Doctrine in 1947, which issued that the United States would aid any country that asked for help in resisting communism ("Cuban Missile Crisis"). This doctrine was the containme...

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... to remove missiles from Cuba if American would both promise to never invade Cuba and remove their missiles from Turkey. John F. Kennedy decided to enforce the terms to never invade Cuba, but not to remove missile operations from Turkey. The Soviets were able to trust that America would never invade Cuba, so they finally formed an agreement. (Ball 32)

In conclusion, even though this crisis lasted a short 13 days the Cuban Missile Crisis's impact could of been sever and fatal to most of the U.S, Cuba and countries all around. The Cuban Missile Crisis proves to have had a large impact on our world today. Whether it is through the way we consider how we avoided a nuclear war, learnt a lesson of resolution, or compare it’s significance to other events between Cuba and America, this crucial event has shown a significant part in North American and European history.

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