The Cuban Missile Crisis: Thirteen Days of Danger — Reading Comprehension

The Cuban Missile Crisis occurred in October 1962, when the United States discovered that the Soviet Union was secretly building nuclear missile sites in Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida. This discovery led to a dangerous standoff between the world’s two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, during the height of the Cold War. For thirteen tense days, leaders and citizens worldwide feared the outbreak of a nuclear war.

The crisis began when American intelligence agencies, using spy planes, photographed Soviet missile installations being constructed in Cuba. President John F. Kennedy and his advisors formed a group called the Executive Committee (ExComm) to decide how to respond. They faced a difficult decision: ignore the missiles, launch an attack, or find another way to force the Soviets to remove the weapons. On October 22, 1962, Kennedy addressed the nation on television, revealing the existence of the missiles and announcing a naval blockade—called a "quarantine"—to prevent more Soviet ships from delivering weapons to Cuba. This primary source speech made clear the seriousness of the threat.

The Soviets, led by Premier Nikita Khrushchev, denied that their weapons in Cuba were offensive. They argued that the United States had placed its own nuclear missiles in Turkey, close to the Soviet Union, and claimed that their actions were for Cuba’s defense. As U.S. Navy ships surrounded Cuba, the world watched in suspense. Tensions escalated when a U.S. spy plane was shot down over Cuba on October 27, the closest moment to actual war. However, both sides realized that a nuclear conflict would have devastating effects on millions of people and the environment.

Eventually, a secret agreement was reached. The Soviets would withdraw their missiles from Cuba, and the United States pledged not to invade Cuba. Privately, the U.S. also agreed to remove its missiles from Turkey. This resolution avoided war but revealed how dangerous the arms race and political ideologies of the Cold War had become. The crisis led to new efforts at diplomacy, including the establishment of a direct “hotline” between Washington and Moscow to improve communication during future crises.

The Cuban Missile Crisis is significant because it showed how close the world came to nuclear disaster and how important negotiation and clear communication are in resolving international conflicts. It also influenced the global balance of power and shaped Cold War policies for years to come.

The events of these thirteen days connect to broader themes in world history, such as the dangers of unchecked competition, the need for international cooperation, and the human impact of political decisions.

Interesting Fact: During the crisis, people in the United States practiced "duck and cover" drills at school and built bomb shelters at home, reflecting widespread fear of nuclear attack.

When did the Cuban Missile Crisis occur?

Which country placed missiles in Cuba?

Who was the U.S. President during the crisis?

Why did the U.S. set up a blockade?

What was one effect of the crisis?

How did the Cuban Missile Crisis end?

The crisis led to new efforts at diplomacy. True or false?

What does 'diplomacy' mean?