Confrontation between the superpowers: US attitudes to Cuba and developments leading to the missile crisis; the 13 days; the significance of the crisis
In October 1962, the USA and USSR came closer to nuclear war than at any other point in the Cold War. The crisis began when the USA discovered Soviet nuclear missiles on the island of Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida.
Real World
On 27 October 1962 — 'Black Saturday' — Soviet submarine B-59, cut off from Moscow and under depth-charge attack, came within one officer's veto of launching a nuclear torpedo; officer Vasili Arkhipov refused, arguably preventing nuclear war.
Exam Focus
For significance questions, go beyond the 13 days: credit the hotline, Test Ban Treaty, and changed superpower communication as long-term outcomes.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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