THE COLD WAR AND AFTER 26-49

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10 The Cuban Missiles Crisis (1962)

By 1960, the two superpowers had enough nuclear missiles to wipe out the world. Both USA and USSR became worried that nuclear missiles alone did not offer a final solution.

As a solution, each side developed its own nuclear deterrents (=sth that intends to discourage its enemy from using its missiles). This was achieved by making sure that your own side could still strike back even after being attacked by nuclear weapons, resulting in both sides being wiped out. This theory is MAD, Mutually Assured Destruction).

BACKGROUND

THE BAY OF PIGS (1961)

MISSILE SITES

WHAT SHOULD KENNEDY DO?

KENNEDY'S DECISION

Kennedy decided to use the US Navy to blockade Cuba. This would stop Societ ships from landing any weapons.

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