Nikita Khrushchev placed nuclear missiles in Cuba in 1962. This event is known as the Cuban Missile Crisis and was a significant moment in the Cold War. The crisis was sparked when the United States discovered Soviet missile installations in Cuba, which were capable of launching nuclear strikes on American cities.

Background:
- Cuba was a communist country led by Fidel Castro, who had established close ties with the Soviet Union.
- The United States had attempted to overthrow Castro's government in 1961 with the failed Bay of Pigs invasion.
- The Soviet Union saw an opportunity to gain a strategic advantage by placing missiles in Cuba, which would deter the United States from attacking the island.

The Crisis:
- In October 1962, a U.S. spy plane discovered the missile sites in Cuba.
- President Kennedy demanded that the Soviet Union remove the missiles, and a naval blockade was established around Cuba to prevent further Soviet shipments.
- The world watched as tensions between the two superpowers escalated, and the possibility of nuclear war became a real threat.
- After several tense days, the Soviet Union agreed to remove the missiles in exchange for a U.S. promise not to invade Cuba and to remove U.S. missiles from Turkey.

Impact:
- The Cuban Missile Crisis was a pivotal moment in the Cold War, as it highlighted the dangers of nuclear weapons and the importance of communication between superpowers.
- The crisis also led to improved relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, as both sides realized the need for arms control and diplomacy.
- It also had a lasting impact on Cuba, which became even more isolated from the United States and turned further towards the Soviet Union.