1. Soviet Missile Deployment: In response to the US deployment of nuclear missiles in Turkey and Italy, the Soviet Union secretly began installing medium-range nuclear missiles in Cuba in the summer of 1962. These missiles could reach major cities in the eastern United States, significantly altering the strategic balance of power.
2. US Discovery and Response: In October 1962, the US discovered the missile installations in Cuba through aerial reconnaissance. President John F. Kennedy decided on a naval blockade (or "quarantine") of Cuba to prevent further Soviet arms shipments and demanded the removal of the missiles already in place.
3. Escalating Tensions: The situation quickly escalated as both sides took military measures. The US enforced the naval blockade, and the Soviet Union continued to transport military equipment to Cuba. Both countries engaged in intense diplomatic efforts and exchanged messages, trying to resolve the crisis peacefully.
4. Tensions on High: The world watched with bated breath as the crisis unfolded, fearing a potential nuclear conflict. The US deployed naval and air forces near Cuba, while the Soviet Union moved nuclear-armed submarines into the Atlantic Ocean. The tension reached its peak on October 27, 1962, known as "Black Saturday."
5. Agreement and De-escalation: After several tense days, a resolution was reached through back-channel diplomacy. The Soviet Union agreed to remove its missiles from Cuba in exchange for a US pledge not to invade Cuba and a secret agreement to remove US missiles from Turkey.
6. Global Implications: The Cuban Missile Crisis had profound implications for global politics. It highlighted the dangers of nuclear proliferation and the critical need for arms control and dialogue between superpowers. It also marked a significant turning point in the Cold War, leading to a period known as "peaceful coexistence" between the US and the Soviet Union.
In conclusion, the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war due to the Soviet Union's secret deployment of nuclear missiles in Cuba and the US's subsequent naval blockade. The tension was defused through intense diplomacy, resulting in a resolution that helped pave the way for improved relations between the US and the Soviet Union in the years to come.