TExES Social Studies Content Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Cuban Missile Crisis is a significant event during the Cold War primarily because it brought the world to the brink of nuclear war and represented a critical moment in the U.S.-Soviet relations. In October 1962, the U.S. discovered that the Soviet Union had deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the American coast. This escalation heightened existing tensions between the two superpowers, which had been characterized by ideological, political, and military conflicts since the end of World War II.

The crisis lasted for 13 days and involved intense negotiations and a naval blockade implemented by President John F. Kennedy to prevent further shipments of military supplies to Cuba. The resolution of the crisis, which included a secret agreement for the U.S. to remove its missiles from Turkey, underscored the importance of direct communication between these nations, leading to the establishment of the Moscow-Washington hotline. This event not only marked a pivotal moment in Cold War history but also emphasized the dangers of nuclear proliferation and the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve international conflicts.

In contrast, while the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and World War II are historically significant conflicts, they do not encapsulate the specific tensions and close calls associated with the Cold War in the