In 1962 occurred . The whole world stood on the edge of the abyss - and this is not an exaggeration. The Cold War, which had dragged on between the USSR and the USA for almost twenty years, could escalate into a nuclear conflict. The Soviet Union secretly sent its missiles to Cuba, and of course, America regarded such a move as an open threat.

Foothold in Cuba: Causes of the Caribbean Crisis.

Despite the long-standing confrontation and arms race, the deployment of missiles in Cuba was not an adventure of the Soviet government.

After the victory of the revolutionary forces of Fidel Castro in 1959 in Cuba, the USSR entered into close cooperation with the Cubans. This was beneficial to both parties - Cuba received the support of one of the most powerful powers in the world, and the USSR gained its first ally "on the other side of the ocean."

Of course, this alone was enough to make the American government feel some anxiety.

By the early 1960s, the United States had a significant advantage in terms of nuclear weapons. And in 1961, American missiles with nuclear warheads were deployed in Turkey - in close proximity to the borders of the USSR.

In the event of a nuclear conflict, these missiles "reached" including Moscow. According to John F. Kennedy, they were not much more dangerous than submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

However, intermediate-range missiles and intercontinental missiles differ in approach time, and besides, installations in Turkey were much easier to immediately put on alert.

One way or another, Khrushchev considered American missiles on the Black Sea coast a threat. Therefore, a retaliatory step was taken - the secret movement and installation of nuclear forces in friendly Cuba, which led to Caribbean crisis of 1962.

Conflict resolution.

Having learned about the presence of Soviet nuclear forces in Cuba, the US leadership decided to establish a naval blockade around Cuba. True, oddly enough, there was a hitch with the legality of such an act - after all, Soviet missiles did not formally violate international law, while the imposition of a blockade was considered a direct declaration of war.

Therefore, it was decided to call the blockade "quarantine" and cut off the sea communication not entirely and completely, but only in terms of weapons.

Diplomatic negotiations, during which the whole world was in suspense, lasted a week.

As a result, the parties agreed on the following:

• the USSR withdraws its forces from Cuba;
• The US removes missiles from Turkey and abandons attempts to invade Cuba.

Outcomes and consequences of the Caribbean crisis.

Almost causing the Third World War, he demonstrated the danger of nuclear weapons and the inadmissibility of using them in diplomatic negotiations. In 1962, the US and the USSR agreed to stop nuclear testing in the air, under water and in space, and the Cold War began to decline.

Also, it was after the Cuban Missile Crisis that a direct telephone connection was created between Washington and Moscow - so that the leaders of the two states no longer had to rely on letters, radio and telegraph to discuss important and urgent problems.

More than once put the planet on the brink of death. The world was closest to the end of the world in the fall of 1962. The attention of the international community in October was riveted on the events unfolding in the Caribbean. The confrontation between the two superpowers was the pinnacle of the arms race and the highest point of tension in the Cold War.

Today, the Cuban crisis, as it is known in the United States, is viewed differently. Some see Operation Anadyr as a brilliant piece of work by the Soviet secret services and organization of military supplies, as well as a risky but smart political move, while others stigmatize Khrushchev for shortsightedness. It is not true to say that Nikita Sergeevich foresaw absolutely all the consequences of the decision to deploy nuclear warheads on the Island of Freedom. The cunning and experienced politician certainly understood that the reaction from the United States would be decisive.

"Nikolaev" in the port of Kasilda. On the pier, the shadow of the RF-101 Voodoo, the reconnaissance aircraft that took the picture, is visible

The actions of the Soviet military leadership in Cuba should be considered taking into account the prehistory of the development of the crisis. In 1959, the revolution finally won on the island, and Fidel Castro became the head of state. During this period, Cuba did not receive special support from the USSR, since it was not considered as a stable member of the socialist camp. However, already in the 1960s, after the introduction of an economic blockade by the United States, deliveries of Soviet oil began to Cuba. In addition, the Soviets are becoming the main foreign trade partner of the young communist state. Thousands of specialists in the field of agriculture and industry were drawn into the country, and large investments began.

The interests of the Union on the island were dictated by far from ideological convictions. The fact is that in 1960 the United States managed to deploy its medium-range nuclear missiles in Turkey, which caused extreme indignation in Moscow. A successful strategic position allowed the Americans to control vast Soviet territories, including the capital, and the speed of launching and reaching the target for this weapon was minimal.

Cuba was located in close proximity to the borders of the United States, so the deployment of an offensive weapon system with a nuclear charge could to some extent compensate for the prevailing advantage in the confrontation. The idea of ​​placing launchers with nuclear missiles on the territory of the island belonged directly to Nikita Sergeevich, and was expressed by him on May 20, 1962 to Mikoyan, Malinovsky and Gromyko. After the idea was supported and developed.

Cuba's interest in locating Soviet military bases on its territory was obvious. From the moment he was established as a political leader and head of state, Fidel Castro became a constant target for various kinds of American provocations. They tried to eliminate him, and the United States was openly preparing a military invasion of Cuba. Evidence of which was, albeit an unsuccessful attempt to land troops in the Bay of Pigs. The increase in the Soviet contingent and the buildup of weapons on the island gave hope for the preservation of the regime and the sovereignty of the state.

Nikita Khrushchev and John Kennedy

With Castro's consent, Moscow launched a wide-ranging covert nuclear transfer operation. Missiles and components for their installation and combat readiness were delivered to the island under the guise of trade cargo, unloading was carried out only at night. In the holds of ships, about forty thousand military men dressed in civilian clothes, who were strictly forbidden to speak Russian, left for Cuba. During the journey, the soldiers could not go out into the open air, as the command was seriously afraid of being exposed ahead of schedule. The leadership of the operation was entrusted to Marshal Hovhannes Khachaturyanovich Baghramyan.

The first rockets were unloaded by Soviet ships in Havana on September 8, the second batch arrived on the 16th of the same month. The captains of transport ships did not know about the nature of the cargo and its destination; before sending them, they were given envelopes, which they could open only on the high seas. The text of the order indicated the need to follow the coast of Cuba and avoid meetings with NATO ships. The main part of the missiles was placed in the western part of the island, where the overwhelming majority of the military contingent and specialists were concentrated. Part of the missiles was planned to be installed in the center, and a few in the East. By October 14, forty medium-range missiles with a nuclear charge were delivered to the island and they began to install them.

The actions of the USSR in Cuba were closely monitored from Washington. The young American president, John F. Kennedy, convened the ex-Committee of National Security every day. Until September 5, the United States sent U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, but they did not bring any information about the presence of nuclear weapons. It became more and more difficult to hide, however, further the intentions of the USSR. The length of the rocket, together with the tractor, was about thirty meters, so their unloading and transportation was noticed by local residents, among whom there were many American agents. However, the assumptions alone seemed not enough to the Americans, only photographs taken on October 14 by Lockheed U-2 pilot Heiser left no doubt that Cuba had become one of the strategic Soviet bases equipped with nuclear missiles.

Kennedy considered the Soviet leadership incapable of such decisive action, so the pictures were somewhat of a surprise. From October 16, reconnaissance aircraft begin to fly over the island up to six times a day. The Committee put forward two main proposals: start hostilities, or organize a naval blockade of Cuba. Kennedy immediately reacted critically to the idea of ​​an invasion, as he understood that such a thing could provoke the start of the Third World War. The president could not take responsibility for the consequences of such a decision, so American forces were sent to blockade.

The first image of Soviet missiles in Cuba, received by the Americans. October 14, 1962

The intelligence activities of the Americans in this incident showed their worst side. The information provided by the secret services to the president turned out to be far from the truth. For example, the number of the USSR military contingent, according to their information, in Cuba was no more than ten thousand people, while the real number had long ago exceeded forty thousand. The Americans also did not know that the island had not only medium-range nuclear missiles, but also short-range nuclear weapons. The bombardment so insistently proposed by the US military could not be carried out already, since four launchers were ready by October 19th. Washington was also within their reach. An amphibious landing also threatened with catastrophic consequences, as the Soviet military was ready to launch a complex called "Luna".

The tense situation continued to escalate, as neither side was willing to make concessions. For the United States, the deployment of missiles in Cuba was a security issue, but the USSR was also under the gun of the American missile system in Turkey. The Cubans demanded to open fire on reconnaissance aircraft, but were forced to obey the decisions of the USSR.

On October 22, Kennedy made a public statement to the Americans that offensive weapons against the United States were indeed being installed in Cuba, and that the government would consider any act of aggression as the start of a war. This meant that the world was on the verge of destruction. The international community supported the American blockade, largely due to the fact that the Soviet leadership for a long time concealed the true meaning of their actions. However, Khrushchev did not recognize it as legal and declared that fire would be opened on any of the ships that showed aggression towards Soviet maritime transport. Most of the ships of the USSR nevertheless obliged to return to their homeland, but five of them were already approaching their destination, accompanied by four diesel submarines. The submarines carried weapons capable of destroying most of the American fleet in the region, but the United States was not informed about this.

On October 24, one of the Alexandrovsk ships landed, but a telegram was sent to Khrushchev with an appeal for prudence. The day after the scandalous revelations at the UN meeting, the United States issued the first order of combat readiness 2 for the entire time. Any careless action could cause the outbreak of war - the world froze in anticipation. In the morning, Khrushchev sent a conciliatory letter offering to dismantle the missiles in exchange for a US promise to refrain from invading Cuba. The situation calmed down somewhat, and Kennedy decided to postpone the start of hostilities.

The crisis escalated again on October 27, when the Soviet leadership put forward an additional demand for the dismantling of American missiles in Turkey. Kennedy and his entourage suggested that a military coup had taken place in the USSR, as a result of which Khrushchev was removed. At this time, an American reconnaissance aircraft was shot down over Cuba. Some believe that this was a provocation on the part of the commandant, who advocated a categorical refusal to withdraw weapons from the island, but the majority calls the tragedy the unauthorized actions of Soviet commanders. On October 27, the world came closest in its history to the brink of self-destruction.

On the morning of October 28, the Kremlin received an appeal from the United States, in which it was proposed to resolve the conflict peacefully, and Khrushchev's first proposal became the conditions for the resolution. According to unconfirmed reports, the liquidation of the missile system in Turkey was also verbally promised. In just 3 weeks, the USSR dismantled nuclear installations, and on November 20, the blockade of the island was lifted. A few months later, the Americans dismantled the missiles in Turkey.

Coverage radius of missiles deployed in Cuba: R-14 - long radius, R-12 - medium radius

The most dangerous moment in human history came in the twentieth century, but it was also the end of the arms race. The two superpowers had to learn to find a compromise. Modern politicians often try to regard the outcome of the Cuban crisis as a defeat or victory for the Union. From the point of view of the author of this article, it is impossible to draw an unambiguous conclusion in this case. Yes, Khrushchev was able to achieve the liquidation of the American base in Turkey, but the risk was too great. The prudence of Kennedy, who was under the strongest pressure from the Pentagon, demanding to unleash a war, was not calculated in advance. Attempts to preserve the missile base in Cuba could become tragic not only for the Cubans, Americans and Soviet people, but also destroy all of humanity.

With the last salvos of the Second World War, the world turned out to be imaginary. Yes, from that moment guns did not rumble, clouds of planes did not roar in the sky, and tank columns did not roll along the streets of cities. It seemed that after such a destructive and devastating war as the Second World War became, in all countries and on all continents they would finally understand how dangerous political games could become. However, this did not happen. The world plunged into a new confrontation, even more dangerous and large-scale, which was later given a very subtle and capacious name - the Cold War.

The confrontation between the main political centers of influence in the world has moved from battlefields to a confrontation between ideologies and economics. An unprecedented arms race began, which gave rise to a nuclear confrontation between the warring parties. The foreign political situation has again heated up to the limit, each time threatening to escalate into an armed conflict on a planetary scale. The first sign was the Korean War, which broke out five years after the end of World War II. Even then, the US and the USSR began to measure their strength behind the scenes and unofficially, participating in the conflict to varying degrees. The next peak of the confrontation between the two superpowers was the Caribbean crisis of 1962 - the aggravation of the international political situation, which threatened to plunge the planet into a nuclear apocalypse.

The events that took place during this period clearly showed mankind how shaky and fragile the world can be. The atomic monopoly of the United States ended in 1949 when the USSR tested its own atomic bomb. The military-political confrontation between the two countries has reached a qualitatively new level. Nuclear bombs, strategic aircraft and missiles leveled the chances of both sides, making them equally vulnerable to a retaliatory nuclear strike. Realizing the full danger and consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, the opposing sides switched to outright nuclear blackmail.

Now both the US and the USSR tried to use their own nuclear arsenals as an instrument of pressure, seeking to achieve big dividends for themselves in the political arena. An indirect cause of the Caribbean crisis can be considered attempts at nuclear blackmail, which was resorted to by the leadership of both the United States and the Soviet Union. The Americans, having installed their medium-range nuclear missiles in Italy and Turkey, sought to put pressure on the USSR. The Soviet leadership, in response to these aggressive steps, tried to transfer the game to the field of their opponent by placing their own nuclear missiles at the side of the Americans. Cuba was chosen as the place for such a dangerous experiment, which in those days was in the center of attention of the whole world, becoming the key to Pandora's box.

The true causes of the crisis

Considering superficially the history of the most acute and bright period in the confrontation between the two world powers, various conclusions can be drawn. On the one hand, the events of 1962 showed how vulnerable human civilization is in the face of the threat of nuclear war. On the other hand, it was demonstrated to the whole world how peaceful coexistence depends on the ambitions of a certain group of people, one or two people who make fatal decisions. Who did the right thing, who did not in this situation, time judged. The real confirmation of this is that we are now writing materials on this topic, analyzing the chronology of events, and studying the true causes of the Caribbean crisis.

The presence or coincidence of various factors brought the world in 1962 to the brink of disaster. Here it would be appropriate to focus on the following aspects:

• the presence of objective factors;
• the action of subjective factors;
• time frame;
• planned results and goals.

Each of the proposed points reveals not only the presence of certain physical and psychological factors, but also sheds light on the very essence of the conflict. A thorough analysis of the current situation in the world in October 1962 is necessary, since for the first time humanity really felt the threat of complete annihilation. Neither before nor after, not a single armed conflict or military-political confrontation had such high stakes.

The objective reasons that explain the main essence of the crisis that has arisen are the attempts of the leadership of the Soviet Union, headed by N.S. Khrushchev to find ways out of the dense ring of encirclement in which the entire Soviet bloc found itself in the early 1960s. By this time, the United States and its NATO allies had managed to concentrate powerful strike groups along the entire perimeter of the USSR. In addition to the strategic missiles stationed at missile bases in North America, the Americans had a rather large air fleet of strategic bombers.

In addition to all this, the US deployed in Western Europe and on the southern borders of the Soviet Union, a whole armada of intermediate and shorter range missiles. And this despite the fact that the United States, Great Britain and France taken together, in terms of the number of warheads and carriers, were many times superior to the USSR. It was the deployment of Jupiter medium-range missiles in Italy and Turkey that was the last straw for the Soviet leadership, which decided to make a similar attack on the enemy.

The nuclear missile power of the USSR at that time could not be called a real counterbalance to American nuclear power. The flight range of Soviet missiles was limited, and submarines capable of carrying only three R-13 ballistic missiles did not differ in high tactical and technical data. There was only one way to make the Americans feel that they, too, were under a nuclear sight, by placing Soviet ground-based nuclear missiles at their side. Even if Soviet missiles were not known for their high flight characteristics and the relative small number of warheads, such a threat could have a sobering effect on the Americans.

In other words, the essence of the Caribbean crisis lies in the natural desire of the USSR to equalize the chances of a mutual nuclear threat with its potential adversaries. How this was done is another question. We can say that the result exceeded the expectations of both one and the other side.

Prerequisites for the conflict and the goals of the parties

The subjective factor that played the main role in this conflict is post-revolutionary Cuba. After the victory of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Fidel Castro's regime followed in the wake of Soviet foreign policy, which greatly annoyed its mighty northern neighbor. After the failure to overthrow the revolutionary government in Cuba by force of arms, the Americans switched to a policy of economic and military pressure on the young regime. The US trade blockade against Cuba only accelerated the development of events that played into the hands of the Soviet leadership. Khrushchev, echoed by the military, gladly accepts Fidel Castro's proposal to send a Soviet military contingent to Liberty Island. In the strictest secrecy at the highest level, on May 21, 1962, a decision was made to send Soviet troops to Cuba, including missiles with nuclear warheads.

From that moment on, events begin to unfold at a rapid pace. Time limits are in effect. After the return of the Soviet military-diplomatic mission headed by Rashidov from the island of Liberty, the Presidium of the Central Committee of the CPSU meets in the Kremlin on June 10. At this meeting, the Minister of Defense of the USSR for the first time announced and submitted for consideration a draft plan for the transfer of Soviet troops and nuclear ICBMs to Cuba. The operation was codenamed Anadyr.

Rashidov, the head of the Soviet delegation, and Rashidov, who had returned from a trip to Liberty Island, decided that the faster and more discreetly the entire operation to transfer Soviet missile units to Cuba was carried out, the more unexpected this step would be for the United States. On the other hand, the current situation will force both sides to look for a way out of the current situation. Beginning in June 1962, the military-political situation took a menacing turn, pushing both sides towards an inevitable military-political clash.

The last aspect to be taken into account when considering the cause of the Cuban crisis in 1962 is a realistic assessment of the goals and objectives pursued by each of the parties. The United States, under President Kennedy, was at the peak of its economic and military power. The appearance of a state of socialist orientation at the side of the world hegemon caused tangible damage to America's reputation as a world leader, therefore, in this context, the desire of the Americans to destroy the first socialist state in the Western Hemisphere by force of military, economic and political pressure is quite understandable. The American President and most of the American establishment were extremely determined in achieving their goals. And this despite the fact that the risk of a direct military clash with the USSR in the White House was estimated very highly.

The Soviet Union, led by the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU, Nikita Sergeevich Khrushchev, tried not to miss his chance by supporting the Castro regime in Cuba. The situation in which the young state found itself required the adoption of decisive measures and steps. The mosaic of world politics took shape in favor of the USSR. Using socialist Cuba, the USSR could create a threat to the territory of the United States, which, being overseas, considered themselves completely safe from Soviet missiles.

The Soviet leadership tried to squeeze the maximum out of the current situation. In addition, the Cuban government played in unison with the plans of the Soviets. You can not discount and personal factors. In the context of the intensified confrontation between the USSR and the USA over Cuba, the personal ambitions and charisma of the Soviet leader were clearly manifested. Khrushchev could go down in world history as a leader who dared to directly challenge a nuclear power. We should give credit to Khrushchev, he succeeded. Despite the fact that the world literally hung in the balance for two weeks, the parties managed to some extent achieve what they wanted.

The military component of the Caribbean crisis

The transfer of Soviet troops to Cuba, called Operation Anadyr, began at the end of June. Such an uncharacteristic name of the operation, which is associated with the delivery of secret cargo by sea to the southern latitudes, is explained by military-strategic plans. Loaded with troops, equipment and personnel, Soviet ships were to be sent to the North. The purpose of such a large-scale operation for the general public and foreign intelligence was banal and prosaic, providing economic cargo and personnel to settlements along the route of the Northern Sea Route.

Soviet ships left the ports of the Baltic, from Severomorsk and from the Black Sea, following their usual course to the north. Further, lost in high latitudes, they sharply changed course in the direction to the south, following the coast of Cuba. Such maneuvers were supposed to mislead not only the American fleet, which patrolled the entire North Atlantic, but also the American intelligence channels. It is important to note that the secrecy with which the operation was carried out gave a stunning effect. Careful camouflage of preparatory operations, transportation of missiles on ships and placement were carried out in complete secrecy from the Americans. In the same perspective, the equipment of launch positions and the deployment of missile divisions on the island took place.

Neither in the Soviet Union, nor in the United States, nor in any other country in the world, could anyone even imagine that in such a short time an entire missile army would be deployed under the noses of the Americans. The flights of American spy planes did not provide accurate information about what was really going on in Cuba. In total, until October 14, when Soviet ballistic missiles were photographed during the flight of an American U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, the Soviet Union transferred and deployed 40 R-12 and R-14 medium and intermediate-range missiles on the island. In addition to everything, Soviet cruise missiles with nuclear warheads were deployed near the American naval base of Guantanamo Bay.

The photographs, which clearly showed the positions of Soviet missiles in Cuba, produced the effect of a bombshell. The news that the entire territory of the United States is now within the reach of Soviet nuclear missiles, the total equivalent of which was 70 megatons of TNT, shocked not only the highest echelons of the United States government, but also the bulk of the country's civilian population.

In total, 85 Soviet cargo ships took part in the Anadyr operation, which managed to covertly deliver not only missiles and launchers, but also a lot of other military and service equipment, service personnel and combatant army units. By October 1962, 40 thousand military contingents of the USSR Armed Forces were stationed in Cuba.

A game of nerves and a swift denouement

The reaction of the Americans to the situation was instantaneous. An Executive Committee was urgently created in the White House, headed by President John F. Kennedy. A variety of retaliatory options were considered, starting with a pinpoint strike on missile positions and ending with an armed invasion of American troops on the island. The most acceptable option was chosen - a complete naval blockade of Cuba and an ultimatum presented to the Soviet leadership. It should be noted that as early as September 27, 1962, Kennedy received carte blanche from Congress to use the armed forces to correct the situation in Cuba. The US President pursued a different strategy, tending to solve the problem through military-diplomatic means.

An open intervention could result in serious casualties among the personnel, and besides, no one denied the possible use by the Soviet Union of larger countermeasures. An interesting fact is that in none of the official conversations at the highest level, the USSR did not admit that there were Soviet offensive missile weapons in Cuba. In this light, the United States had no choice but to act on its own, thinking less about world prestige and more concerned about its own national security.

You can talk and discuss all the vicissitudes of negotiations, meetings and meetings of the UN Security Council for a long time, but today it becomes clear that the political games of the leadership of the USA and the USSR in October 1962 led humanity to a dead end. No one could guarantee that each next day of global confrontation would not be the last day of peace. The results of the Caribbean crisis were acceptable to both sides. In the course of the agreements reached, the Soviet Union removed the missiles from the island of Freedom. Three weeks later, the last Soviet missile left Cuba. Literally the next day, November 20, the United States lifted the naval blockade of the island. The following year, Jupiter missile systems were phased out in Turkey.

In this context, the personalities of Khrushchev and Kennedy deserve special attention. Both leaders were under constant pressure from their own advisers and the military, who were already ready to unleash the Third World War. However, both were smart enough not to follow the hawks of world politics. Here, the speed of reaction of both leaders in making important decisions, as well as the presence of common sense, played an important role. Within two weeks, the whole world clearly saw how quickly the world's established order can be turned into chaos.

the date	Event
1959	Revolution in Cuba
1960	Nationalization of US spheres in Cuba
1961	Fidel's appeal to the US government and receiving a denial of assistance. Deployment of US missiles in Turkey.
May 20, 1962	Council of Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs with Khrushchev on Cuba
May 21, 1962	On May 21, at a meeting of the USSR Defense Council, this issue was raised for discussion on the deployment of missiles in Cuba.
May 28, 1962	A delegation was sent to Cuba, headed by an ambassador.
June 10, 1962	A project for the placement of rocket launchers in Cuba was presented
End of June 1962	A plan is developed for the secret transfer of forces to Cuba
Early August 1962	The first ships with equipment and people were sent to Cuba
End of August 1962	The first photos of American intelligence about the missile launchers under construction
September 4, 1962	Kennedy's statement on the absence of missile forces in Cuba to Congress
September 5 - October 14, 1962	Termination of reconnaissance of Cuban territories by US aircraft
September 14, 1962	Pictures from a US reconnaissance plane about the built rocket launchers fall on Kennedy's desk
October 18, 1962	The US President was visited by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the USSR
October 19, 1962	Confirmation by reconnaissance aircraft of four launchers in Cuba
October 20, 1962	Announcement of the blockade of Cuba by the United States
October 23, 1962	Robert Kennedy goes to the Soviet Embassy
October 24, 1962 - 10:00 am	Entry into force of the blockade of Cuba
October 24, 1962 - 12:00	Report to Khrushchev on the safe arrival of Soviet warships in Cuba
October 25, 1962	Kennedy's demand to dismantle rocket launchers in Cuba
October 26, 1962	Khrushchev's refusal to Kennedy's demands
October 27, 1962 - 5:00 pm	US reconnaissance aircraft spotted over Cuba
October 27, 1962 - 5:30 pm	Reconnaissance aircraft invades the territory of the USSR
October 27, 1962 - 18:00	USSR fighters raised on combat alert
October 27, 1962 - 8:00 pm	US fighters and bombers on alert
October 27, 1962 - 9:00 pm	Fidel tells Khrushchev that the US is ready to attack
From 27 to 28 October 1962	Meeting of Robert Kennedy with the Ambassador of the USSR
October 28, 1962 - 12:00	Meeting of the Central Committee of the CPSU and a secret meeting.
October 28, 1962 - 2:00 pm	Prohibition of the use of anti-aircraft installations of the USSR on the territory of Cuba
October 28, 1962 - 15:00	The connection between Khrushchev and Kennedy
October 28, 1962 - 4:00 pm	Khrushchev's order to dismantle rocket launchers
In 3 weeks	Completion of the dismantling and lifting of the blockade from Cuba
2 months later	Complete dismantling of US rocket launchers in Turkey

Causes of the Caribbean conflict

The Cuban Missile Crisis is the common name for the very complex and tense relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States of America. So tense that a nuclear war was no surprise to anyone.

It all started with the fact that in 1961 America deployed its missiles with nuclear warheads in Turkey. And it continued with the fact that the USSR responded with the location of military bases in Cuba. Also with nuclear charges and a complete set of military units.

The world at that time froze in anticipation of a planetary catastrophe.

The tension of that time reached the point that a nuclear war could start from a single sharp statement by one side or another.

But the diplomats of that time were able to find a common language and resolve the conflict peacefully. Not without tense moments, not without echoes, even in our time, but we managed. How it all happened is described below.

Foothold in Cuba

The cause of the Caribbean crisis of 1962, contrary to popular belief, is not at all hidden in the deployment of military units in Cuba.

The beginning of this conflict was laid by the US government when it placed its nuclear and atomic missiles on the territory of modern Turkey.

The missile equipment of the American bases was medium-range.

This made it possible to hit the key targets of the Soviet Union in the shortest possible time. Including cities and the capital - Moscow.

Naturally, this state of affairs did not suit the USSR. And when a note of protest was issued, having received a refusal to withdraw troops from Turkey, the Union took retaliatory measures. Hidden, invisible and secret.

On the Cuban Islands, in the strictest secrecy, regular troops of the USSR were stationed. Infantry, technical support, equipment and missiles.

Missiles of various calibers and purposes:

1. medium range;
2. tactical missiles;
3. ballistic missiles.

Each of them could carry a nuclear warhead. The secrecy of such actions was not due to an act of aggression, as is now presented, but solely without a provocative meaning, so as not to unleash a nuclear war.

The deployment of troops in Cuba itself was strategically justified and was more of a defensive nature.

With this presence off the coast of the United States, the Union deterred possible acts of aggression from Turkish-American deployments.

The Caribbean crisis was caused by the following actions of the parties:

1. Placement in Turkey, in 1961, of American medium-range nuclear missile systems.
2. Assistance of the USSR to the Cuban authorities, in 1962, after the revolution in the protection of sovereignty.
3. US blockade of Cuba in 1962.
4. Placement on the territory of Cuba of medium-range nuclear missile installations and troops of the USSR.
5. Violation by American reconnaissance aircraft of the borders of the USSR and Cuba.

Chronology of events

Speaking about the chronology of events, one should look at a slightly earlier time from the beginning of the nuclear race between the USA and the USSR. This story begins in 1959, during the Cold War between the superpowers and the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel Castro.

Since the confrontation between the two countries was not local and clearly expressed, each of them tried to cover a larger number of zones of influence.

The United States focused on third world countries with pro-American sentiments, and the Soviet Union on countries of the same world, but with socialist sentiments.

The Cuban revolution at first did not attract the attention of the Union, although the country's leadership turned to the USSR for help. But Cuba's appeal to the Americans was even more disastrous.

The President of the United States defiantly refused to meet with Castro.

This caused serious indignation in Cuba and, as a result, the complete nationalization of all internal US resources in the country.

Moreover, such an outcome of events aroused interest from the USSR and the next appeal for help was heard. Cuban oil and sugar resources were redirected from the United States to the USSR, and an agreement was obtained on the stationing of regular Union troops in the country.

The United States, of course, was not satisfied with such a preponderance of forces and, under the pretext of expanding NATO bases, military bases were deployed on Turkish territory, on which medium-range missiles with nuclear warheads were ready for battle.

And the next stage in the development of the Caribbean crisis was the secret deployment of Soviet troops on the territory of Cuba. Also with a full load of nuclear weapons.

Naturally, these events did not occur in one day. They lasted for several years, which will be discussed below.

October 14, 1962. Beginning of the Crisis. Kennedy decision

On this day, after a long absence from the territory of Cuba, an American reconnaissance aircraft took photographs. On them, upon detailed examination by US military specialists, launch pads for nuclear missiles were recognized.

And after a more thorough study, it became clear that the sites are similar to those located on the territory of the USSR.

This event so shocked the American government that President Kennedy (the first in his entire presidency in the States) introduced the FCON-2 danger level. In fact, this meant the beginning of a war with the use of weapons of mass destruction (including nuclear).

The decision of the USA could become the beginning of World nuclear war.

He himself understood this, as well as everyone else in the world. It was necessary to look for a solution to this issue and as soon as possible.

critical phase. World on the brink of nuclear war

Relations between the two powers became so tense that other countries did not even begin to join the discussion of this issue. The conflict should have been resolved precisely between the USSR and the USA, which participated in the Caribbean crisis.

After the introduction of second-level martial law in the States, the world came to a standstill. In essence, this meant that the war had begun. But the understanding of the consequences by both sides did not allow pressing the main button.

In the year of the Cuban Missile Crisis, ten days after the start (October 24), a blockade was declared against Cuba. Which also actually meant a declaration of war on this country.

Cuba also imposed retaliatory sanctions.

Even several US reconnaissance planes were shot down over Cuban territory. What could strongly influence the decision to start a nuclear war. But common sense prevailed.

Understanding that the prolongation of the situation would lead to its insolubility, both powers sat down at the negotiating table.

October 27, 1962 - "Black Saturday": the climax of the Crisis

It all started with the fact that in the morning during a storm over Cuba, a U-2 reconnaissance aircraft was seen.

It was decided to make a request to the higher headquarters for instructions. But due to communication problems (maybe the storm played a role), the orders were not received. And the plane was shot down on the orders of local commanders.

Almost at the same time, the same reconnaissance aircraft was spotted over Chukotka by the USSR air defense. Military MiG fighters were raised on combat alert. Naturally, the American side found out about the incident and, fearing a massive nuclear strike, raised fighters over its side.

U-2 was out of range of fighters, so he was not shot down.

As it turned out during the investigation of the USSR and the USA, the pilot of the aircraft simply went off course, performing air intakes over the North Pole.

Almost at the same moment, reconnaissance aircraft from anti-aircraft installations were fired over Cuba.

From the outside, this seemed to be the beginning of a war and the preparation of one of the parties for an attack. Castro, convinced of this, was the first to write to Khrushchev about the attack so as not to lose time and advantage.

And Kennedy's advisers, seeing fighters and long-range aviation aircraft raised in the air in the USSR due to a U-2 aircraft that had gone astray, insisted on a momentary bombardment of Cuba. Namely, the bases of the USSR.

But neither Kennedy nor Nikita Khrushchev listened to anyone.

The American President's Initiative and Khrushchev's Proposal

Khrushchev and Kennedy meeting during the Cuban Missile Crisis

The understanding on both sides that the irreparable could happen held back both countries. The fate of the Caribbean crisis was decided at the highest level on both sides of the ocean. The solution of the problem began to be dealt with at the level of diplomacy, in order to find a peaceful way out of the situation.

The turning point occurred after mutual proposals to resolve the Caribbean crisis. President Kennedy took the initiative to send a demand to the Soviet government to remove missiles from Cuba.

But the initiative was only announced. Nikita Khrushchev was the first to propose to America - to lift the blockade from Cuba and sign a non-aggression pact against it. On what the USSR dismantles missiles on its territory. A little later, a condition was added on the dismantling of rocket launchers in Turkey.

A series of several meetings in both countries led to the resolution of this situation. The beginning of the implementation of the agreements took place on the morning of October 28.

Resolution of the Caribbean Crisis

"Black Saturday" was the closest thing to a global catastrophe, a day. It was she who influenced the decision to end the conflict peacefully for both world powers. Despite the sharp confrontation, the US government and the USSR made a mutual decision to end the conflict.

The reason for the start of the war could be any minor conflict or emergency situation. Like, for example, a U-2 that has gone astray. And the results of such a situation would be catastrophic for the whole world. Starting with an arms race.

The situation could end in the death of millions of people.

And the realization of this helped to make the right decision for both parties.

The adopted agreements were executed by both parties in the shortest possible time. For example, the dismantling of Soviet rocket launchers in Cuba began on October 28. Any attacks on enemy aircraft were also prohibited.

Three weeks later, when there was not a single installation left in Cuba, the blockade was lifted. And two months later, installations in Turkey were dismantled.

Cuban Revolution and its role in the conflict

At the time of the aggravation of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, events took place in Cuba that seemed to have nothing to do with the global confrontation between the two world powers. But in the end, they played a significant role in the course and completion of the world conflict.

After the revolution in Cuba, Castro came to power and, first of all, as his closest neighbors, he turned to the States for help. But due to an incorrect assessment of the situation, the US government refused to help Fidel. Considering that there is no time to deal with Cuban issues.

Just at that moment, US missile launchers were deployed in Turkey.

Fidel, realizing that there would be no help from the United States, turned to the Union.

Although at the first appeal he was also refused, but in view of the deployment of missile units near the borders of the USSR, the communists reconsidered their opinion and decided to support the revolutionaries of Cuba. Declined them from nationalist manners to communist ones.

And also, by placing nuclear missile installations on the territory of Cuba (under the pretext of protecting against a US attack on Cuba).

Events developed along two vectors. Help Cuba protect its sovereignty and lift the blockade from outside. As well as a guarantee of the security of the USSR in a possible nuclear conflict. Since the missiles deployed on the Cuban Islands were within the reach of America and, in particular, Washington.

US missile positions in Turkey

The United States of America, by placing its missile launchers in Turkey, near the city of Izmir, essentially provoked a conflict between itself and the Soviet Union.

Although the President of the United States was sure that such a step did not matter, since ballistic missiles from US submarines could reach the same territory.

But the Kremlin reacted quite differently. The ballistics of the American fleet, although they could achieve the same goals, but it would take her much longer to do so. Thus, in the event of a sudden attack, the USSR would have time to repel the attack.

U.S. submarines were not always on alert.

And at the time of release, they were always under the close supervision of the Soviet Union.

Rocket launchers in Turkey, though obsolete, could reach Moscow in minutes. Which endangered the entire European part of the country. This is what caused the USSR to turn towards relations with Cuba. Just lost friendly relations with the States.

Resolution of the 1962 Caribbean conflict

The crisis ended on 28 October. On the night of the 27th, President Kennedy sent his brother Robert to the Soviet ambassador, the USSR Embassy. A conversation took place where Robert expressed the President's fear that the situation could get out of control and give rise to a chain of events that could not be reversed.

Consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis (briefly)

Strange as it may sound, not everyone liked the peaceful resolution of the situation. For example, the Central Committee of the CPSU removed Khrushchev from his post, two years after the crisis. Motivating this by the fact that he made concessions to America.

In Cuba, the dismantling of our missiles was regarded as a betrayal. Since they expected an attack on the United States and were ready to take the first blow. Also, many of America's military leadership were dissatisfied.

The Caribbean crisis was the beginning of global disarmament.

Showing the world that an arms race can lead to disaster.

In history, the Caribbean conflict has left a noticeable mark and many countries have taken the situation as an example of how not to behave on the world stage. But today, there is an almost similar situation with the very beginning of the Cold War. And again, there are two main players in the arena - America and Russia, who decided the fate of the Caribbean crisis and the World half a century ago.

The results of the Caribbean crisis of 1962

In conclusion, let's sum up how the Caribbean crisis ended.

1. Conclusion of a peace agreement between the USSR and the USA.
2. Direct emergency telephone line Kremlin-White House.
3. Treaty on disarmament in the field of nuclear missiles.
4. Guarantee of non-aggression on Cuba by the United States.
5. The dismantling of Soviet rocket launchers in Cuba and US missiles in Turkey.
6. Cuba regarded the behavior of the USSR as a betrayal towards it.
7. Removal of Khrushchev from office in the USSR, due to "concession to the USA" and the assassination of Kennedy in America.

The Caribbean crisis is a difficult situation on the world stage that developed in 1962 and consisted in a particularly tough confrontation between the USSR and the USA. In this situation, for the first time, the danger of war with the use of nuclear weapons hung over humanity. The Caribbean Crisis of 1962 was a grim reminder that with the advent of nuclear weapons, war could lead to the annihilation of all mankind. This event is one of the brightest events
The Caribbean crisis, the causes of which are hidden in the confrontation between the two systems (capitalist and socialist), the US imperialist policy, the national liberation struggle of the peoples of Latin America, had its own prehistory. In 1959, the revolutionary movement in Cuba won. Batista, a dictator who pursued a pro-American policy, was overthrown, and a patriotic government headed by Fidel Castro came to power. There were many communists among Castro's supporters, for example, the legendary Che Guevara. In 1960, the Castro government nationalized American enterprises. Naturally, the US government was extremely dissatisfied with the new regime in Cuba. Fidel Castro declared that he was a communist and established relations with the USSR.

Now the USSR has an ally located in close proximity to its main enemy. Socialist transformations were carried out in Cuba. Economic and political cooperation began between the USSR and Cuba. In 1961, the US government landed troops near Playa Giron, consisting of opponents of Castro, who emigrated from Cuba after the victory of the revolution. It was assumed that American aviation would be used, but the United States did not use it, in fact, the United States abandoned these troops to their fate. As a result, the landing troops were defeated. After this incident, Cuba turned to the Soviet Union for help.
N. S. Khrushchev was at the head of the USSR at that time.

When he learned that the US wanted to forcibly overthrow the Cuban government, he was ready to take the most drastic measures. Khrushchev invited Castro to deploy nuclear missiles. Castro agreed to this. In 1962, Soviet nuclear missiles were secretly placed in Cuba. American military reconnaissance aircraft flying over Cuba spotted the missiles. Initially, Khrushchev denied their presence in Cuba, but the Cuban Missile Crisis grew. Reconnaissance planes took pictures of the missiles, these pictures were presented. From Cuba, nuclear missiles could fly to the United States. On October 22, the US government announced a naval blockade of Cuba. In the USSR and the USA, options for the use of nuclear weapons were being worked out. The world is practically on the brink of war. Any abrupt and thoughtless actions could lead to dire consequences. In this situation, Kennedy and Khrushchev managed to reach an agreement.
The following conditions were accepted: the USSR removes nuclear missiles from Cuba, the United States removes its nuclear missiles from Turkey (an American one was located in Turkey that was capable of reaching the USSR) and leaves Cuba alone. This ended the Cuban Missile Crisis. The missiles were taken away, the US blockade was lifted. The Cuban Missile Crisis had important consequences. He showed how dangerous the escalation of a small armed conflict can be. Mankind has clearly begun to understand the impossibility of having winners in a nuclear war. In the future, the USSR and the USA will avoid direct armed confrontation, preferring economic, ideological and other levers. Countries that are dependent on the United States now realized the possibility of victory in the national liberation struggle. It has now become difficult for the United States to intervene outright in countries whose governments do not align their interests with those of the United States.