Which event during John F. Kennedy's presidency heightened tensions during the Cold War?

• A. The Vietnam War
• B. The Cuban Missile Crisis
• C. The Gulf War
• D. The Korean War

Answer: (B)

The Cuban Missile Crisis is widely recognized as a pivotal event that significantly heightened tensions during the Cold War. This crisis occurred in October 1962 when the United States discovered that the Soviet Union was secretly installing nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the U.S. mainland. The revelation led to an intense 13-day standoff between the two superpowers, during which the world came dangerously close to nuclear war. Kennedy's administration responded with a naval blockade and demanded the removal of the missiles, leading to a tense negotiation with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Ultimately, the crisis concluded with a peaceful resolution but exposed the precarious balance of power and the potential for catastrophic conflict, marking a significant escalation in Cold War hostilities.

In comparison, while the Vietnam War and the Korean War were also significant conflicts involving U.S. military engagement during the Cold War, they did not reach the same level of direct superpower confrontation as the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Gulf War, occurring much later in the 1990s, was not related to the Cold War tensions that characterized Kennedy's presidency.