Short History Of... The Cuban Missile Crisis, Part 2 of 2
Aug 15, 2021
Explore the events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis and President Kennedy's formation of the X-COM. Escalating tensions and the Soviet response, including the increasing state of alertness in the US nuclear forces. The potential consequences of a US invasion of Cuba, highlighting the presence of nuclear warheads on the island. President Kennedy's decisions amidst the secrecy surrounding the nuclear warheads and progress towards peace. The aftermath of the crisis, including the negotiation of the limited nuclear test ban treaty. The ongoing threat of nuclear war, concerns about Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, and the destructive force of nuclear weapons.
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DEFCON 2
- The US increased its nuclear forces to DEFCON 2, the highest alert before nuclear war.
- A B-52 pilot recalled circling the Mediterranean, ready to bomb Soviet cities.
Castro's First Strike Plea
- Fidel Castro urged Khrushchev to launch a nuclear first strike against the US.
- Castro believed a US-Cuba war was inevitable due to American intransigence.
Khrushchev's Plea for Peace
- Khrushchev sent a personal letter to Kennedy, seeking a way to de-escalate the crisis.
- He offered to remove missiles from Cuba if the US promised not to invade.