Lesson 18 of 84 · Cold War Modern
⭐ 30 XP🏰 History Keepcold-war-modern: Lesson 18
The Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 represented one of the most intense confrontations of the Cold War, bringing the United States and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear conflict.
🎯 Your mission
Walk into the past. Find out who, what, and why.
⚡ The twist
What seemed obvious then is often shocking now (and vice versa).
Mind = Blown
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Then & Now
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The Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 represented one of the most intense confrontations of the Cold War, bringing the United States and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear conflict. It began when American U-2 spy planes detected Soviet nuclear missile installations in Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida. President John F. Kennedy responded by imposing a naval blockade around the island and demanding the removal of the missiles. After tense negotiations, the crisis was ultimately resolved when the Soviet Union agreed to dismantle the missiles in exchange for a U.S. promise not to invade Cuba and the secret removal of U.S. missiles from Turkey.
Key Facts
The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred in October 1962.
Cuba is located just 90 miles from the U.S. state of Florida.
The crisis was resolved through a naval blockade and negotiations.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What triggered the Cuban Missile Crisis?
Why this still matters
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For the dinner table
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