The Cuban Missile Crisis 1962

The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 was the closest the world came to nuclear war during the Cold War. For thirteen days, the USA and the Soviet Union stood on the brink of mutual destruction. This lesson examines the background, the key events, and the consequences of the crisis.

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Background: Cuba and the Cold War

Cuba is an island located just 90 miles (145 km) south of Florida. Until 1959, it was ruled by Fulgencio Batista, a corrupt dictator who was supported by the USA.

In January 1959, Fidel Castro overthrew Batista in a revolution. Castro's government:

• Nationalised American-owned businesses and sugar plantations.
• Developed close ties with the Soviet Union.
• Declared Cuba a socialist state in 1961.

The USA was alarmed to have a communist state so close to its borders.

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The Bay of Pigs Invasion (April 1961)

In April 1961, President Kennedy approved a CIA-backed plan to overthrow Castro. Approximately 1,400 Cuban exiles landed at the Bay of Pigs on Cuba's southern coast.