The Cuban Missile Crisis: A 13-Day Standoff That Almost Led to Nuclear War

The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 was a pivotal moment in the Cold War, marked by the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the US coast. President Kennedy faced a critical decision, ultimately opting for a naval blockade to prevent further Soviet shipments. Intense negotiations between Kennedy and Soviet Premier Khrushchev ensued, leading to an agreement: the USSR would remove its missiles from Cuba in exchange for the US withdrawing its missiles from Turkey and pledging not to invade Cuba. This 13-day standoff brought the world to the brink of nuclear war but ended peacefully, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and communication in international relations.

What was the primary reason for the Cuban Missile Crisis?

• The United States invading Cuba

• The Soviet Union installing nuclear missiles in Cuba

• Cuba attacking the United States

• The United States placing missiles in Cuba

Which committee did President Kennedy form to address the missile crisis?

• The National Defense Committee

• The Cuban Crisis Committee

• The XCOM Executive Committee

• The Missile Defense Committee

What action did Kennedy take to prevent further Soviet weapons from reaching Cuba?

• He signed a peace treaty with the Soviet Union

• He invaded Cuba

• He imposed a naval blockade

• He ordered an air strike on Cuba

What was the Soviet Union's response to the U.S. naval blockade?

• They ignored the blockade

• They attacked the U.S. naval forces

• They ordered their ships not to challenge the blockade

• They sent more missiles to Cuba

What was the outcome of the negotiations between Kennedy and Khrushchev?

• The U.S. agreed to invade Cuba

• The Soviet Union kept its missiles in Cuba

• The Soviet Union removed its missiles from Cuba

• The U.S. placed more missiles in Turkey

What did the U.S. agree to do in exchange for the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba?

• Invade Cuba

• Provide military aid to Cuba

• Sign a trade agreement with the Soviet Union

• Remove its missiles from Turkey

How long did the Cuban Missile Crisis last?

• 60 days

• 7 days

• 13 days

• 30 days