Cuban Missile Crisis

Definition

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day confrontation in 1962 when the United States discovered that Soviet missiles were being installed in Cuba. This event brought both superpowers close to nuclear war but eventually ended with a negotiated agreement.

Related terms

Blockade: Blockade: A blockade is an act of sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the US implemented a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent Soviet ships from delivering more missiles.

Détente: Détente: Détente refers to a period of relaxation and reduced tension between opposing nations. After the Cuban Missile Crisis, there was a brief period of détente between the US and USSR as they realized the dangers of their escalating conflict.

Nuclear Proliferation: Nuclear Proliferation: Nuclear proliferation is the spread of nuclear weapons technology and knowledge to more countries. The fear of nuclear proliferation was one reason why the US and USSR wanted to control conflicts like the Cuban Missile Crisis, as it could potentially lead to other nations acquiring nuclear capabilities.