What was the Cuban Missile Crisis primarily about?

• A. A US invitation for Cuba to join NATO
• B. A Soviet attempt to install nuclear missiles in Cuba
• C. A peace treaty between Cuba and the US
• D. A democratic election in Cuba

Answer: (B)

The Cuban Missile Crisis was primarily about a Soviet attempt to install nuclear missiles in Cuba. In October 1962, the United States discovered that the Soviet Union was secretly placing nuclear weapons in Cuba, just 90 miles from U.S. shores. This revelation triggered a tense, 13-day standoff between the two superpowers, as the U.S. sought to prevent the installation and eliminate the nuclear threat so close to its territory.

The crisis underscored the Cold War's heightened tensions, showcasing the real possibility of nuclear conflict. The U.S. responded by imposing a naval blockade around Cuba and demanded the removal of the missiles. Ultimately, the situation resolved with a negotiated agreement in which the Soviets dismantled their missiles in Cuba, while the U.S. secretly agreed to remove its missiles from Turkey and pledged not to invade Cuba.

The other options presented do not capture the essence of the crisis. An invitation for Cuba to join NATO, a peace treaty between the two countries, or a democratic election in Cuba are unrelated to the immediate cause of the crisis, which revolved around national security concerns regarding nuclear armaments.