The Cuban Missile Crisis Overview
The Cuban Missile Crisis, which occurred in October 1962, was a pivotal moment in the Cold War, marked by a tense standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union over the presence of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba.
Key Events Leading to Resolution
- The crisis started when American reconnaissance flights revealed Soviet missile installations in Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida.
- In response, President John F. Kennedy imposed a naval blockade and demanded the removal of the missiles.
Withdrawal of Missiles
- The resolution of the crisis came on October 28, 1962, when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the missiles from Cuba.
- This decision was crucial as it de-escalated the immediate threat of nuclear war.
Negotiated Settlement
- In exchange for the withdrawal, the U.S. secretly agreed not to invade Cuba and to remove its Jupiter missiles from Turkey, which were aimed at the USSR.
- The agreement marked a significant moment of diplomacy, demonstrating the importance of negotiation in international relations.
Long-Term Implications
- The resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis established a direct communication line between Washington and Moscow, known as the "Hotline", to prevent future misunderstandings.
- It highlighted the dangers of nuclear proliferation and the need for arms control, leading to subsequent treaties aimed at reducing nuclear weapons.
In summary, the correct answer to the question is option 'D' because the Cuban Missile Crisis ended with the withdrawal of missiles by the USSR, effectively diffusing a potentially catastrophic confrontation.