October 1962 marked the beginning of a massive standoff between two powers in the wake of Cold War hostility. The American government was informed that a nuclear capable Soviet Union had established a weapons silo in Cuba. With nuclear weaponry only a mere 90 miles from American shores, a political uproar would soon ensue. President John F. Kennedy announced such news on the twenty-second of October, along with his plan of enacting a naval blockade around the coastal island. This plan demonstrated American readiness to bestow military action to prevent any and all potential threats to national security. The Cuban missile base simply could have been catastrophically devastating had the proper precautions been in order. A base so close to American shores could easily prove advantageous, should President Kennedy allow it. Either fortunate or unfortunate, Kennedy acted very
…show more content…
Castro was the communist leader of Cuba since 1959 to 1976. As the first communist leader in the hemisphere, the new form of government came with opposition, and an influx of Cuban refugees and immigrants came to the States. These refugees were used as an asset in an attack known as the Bay of Pigs invasion. The invasion failed miserably, and further worsened relations with Cuba. Since 1960, there has been an embargo on Cuba, and very little-- if any-- political cooperation between the two nations.
The relations with the Soviet Union and Cuba greatly worsened, though poor relations in foreign affairs is far less detrimental than an all out war. All out war was imminent and definitely would occur in direct confrontation. In avoiding that looming threat, John F. Kennedy allowed these lesser issues to occur, if only to avoid the greater threat of World War III. A war between two powers as influential as the U.S. and the Soviet Union would bring forth many of the allies, resulting in a war on a global
Castro was the communist leader of Cuba since 1959 to 1976. As the first communist leader in the hemisphere, the new form of government came with opposition, and an influx of Cuban refugees and immigrants came to the States. These refugees were used as an asset in an attack known as the Bay of Pigs invasion. The invasion failed miserably, and further worsened relations with Cuba. Since 1960, there has been an embargo on Cuba, and very little-- if any-- political cooperation between the two nations.
The relations with the Soviet Union and Cuba greatly worsened, though poor relations in foreign affairs is far less detrimental than an all out war. All out war was imminent and definitely would occur in direct confrontation. In avoiding that looming threat, John F. Kennedy allowed these lesser issues to occur, if only to avoid the greater threat of World War III. A war between two powers as influential as the U.S. and the Soviet Union would bring forth many of the allies, resulting in a war on a global