What if all of this just vanished?
In October 1962, this hypothetical scenario came dangerously close to reality. The Cuban Missile Crisis, triggered by the deployment of Soviet nuclear missiles a mere 90 miles from American soil, marked arguably the most terrifying two weeks in modern history. Here are ten tales that delve into the perspectives and actions of various players involved.
10 Brinkmanship or Balance?
Looking back, the lead-up to October 1962 was a powder keg waiting to explode.
For seventeen years after World War II, the world largely operated under a divided structure, with the U.S. and USSR constantly vying for supremacy. However, their competing ideologies weren’t matched by equal military capabilities. While both had nuclear weapons, the U.S. held a significant advantage in quickly delivering payloads.
The U.S. could strike the USSR with more nukes and faster. This stemmed from the NATO alliance, which provided strategic allies close to the USSR, including missile sites in Turkey. Thus, the Soviets sought a foothold in the Americas to balance the scales.
Cuba became a natural ally for the USSR. Both nations shared socialist ideals, and Fidel Castro feared the U.S., especially after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961. Castro also suspected assassination attempts by the U.S. Thus, the USSR placing missiles in Cuba should have been expected. [1]
9 Two-Time Loser Turned Unsung Hero
Adlai Stevenson, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, was a crucial but often overlooked figure during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He famously challenged his Soviet counterpart in a televised UN interrogation, demanding, “Don’t wait for the translation! Yes or no?” regarding the existence of missiles in Cuba.
Stevenson’s boldness stemmed from his unique political position. Having twice lost presidential elections to Dwight D. Eisenhower, he had little to lose.
His freedom and foreign policy expertise allowed him to envision a solution to the crisis early on. On October 17, he urged JFK to reconsider aerial attacks on Cuba.
Stevenson argued that such attacks would have unpredictable consequences and suggested negotiating the removal of U.S. missile sites in Europe in exchange for the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba. He concluded with his mantra: “Blackmail and intimidation never; negotiation and sanity always.” [2]
8 Curtis LeMay & the Unhinged Joint Chiefs
The failed Bay of Pigs invasion made Castro more receptive to Soviet nukes and made JFK wary of hawkish military advice, especially from generals whose aggressive tendencies were outdated in an era of potential nuclear annihilation.
Air Force Chief of Staff Curtis LeMay embodied this aggressive military stereotype. On October 19, when a naval quarantine was suggested, LeMay vehemently disagreed, advocating for direct military engagement.
He considered a blockade “a pretty weak response.” In one tense exchange, LeMay told Kennedy he was “in a pretty bad fix,” to which Kennedy wittily replied, “Well, you’re in it with me, general.”
LeMay even compared a blockade to appeasing Hitler. Stanley Kubrick based warmongering generals in Dr. Strangelove on LeMay. In 1968, LeMay endorsed using nuclear weapons as George C. Wallace’s running mate. [3]
7 Four Foreboding Words
The Kennedy administration kept the crisis under wraps for nearly a week. On October 22, JFK addressed the nation, revealing “unmistakable evidence” of “offensive missile sites now in preparation” in Cuba.
However, his description of Cuba as “that imprisoned island” raises questions about the U.S.’s understanding of the situation.
Kennedy described the missiles as an “explicit threat to the peace and security of all the Americas,” painting Cuba as a mere bystander.
While the naval quarantine was reasonable, the assessment of Cuba misrepresented the belligerents. Castro was far from a Soviet puppet; he even urged Khrushchev to launch a preemptive nuclear strike against America. Kennedy’s miscalculations and underestimations of Castro could have triggered World War III. [4]
6 A Not-So-Feel-Good Moment: JFK’s Multiple Medications
JFK was intellectually and temperamentally fit to be president but physically unwell. He suffered from digestive issues, Addison’s disease, and chronic pain, often wearing a back brace.
It was later revealed that Kennedy took a cocktail of medications, including painkillers, antianxiety agents, stimulants, and sleeping pills. Dosages increased during stressful times, like the missile crisis.
He took antispasmodics, antibiotics, hydrocortisone, testosterone, codeine, Demerol, methadone, Ritalin, meprobamate, librium, and barbiturates.
He also received injections from “Dr. Feelgood,” Max Jacobson, containing amphetamines. Despite this, JFK remained clearheaded throughout the crisis. [5]
5 Duck & Cover (and Be Incinerated)
Today, schoolchildren prepare for mass shootings. During the Cold War, they were taught to “duck and cover” in case of a nuclear attack.
As early as 1951, PSAs advised children to hide under their desks in the event of a sudden emergency. But the public wasn’t fooled.
As the Cuban Missile Crisis intensified, people stockpiled nonperishables and necessities. Some constructed fallout shelters or holed up in their basements. Special religious services were held. Many fled major cities for rural areas. [6]
4 The Most Dangerous Day, Part 1: The Lone U.S. Casualty
October 27 is considered the most precarious day. The Soviet commander in Cuba believed a U.S. attack was imminent. The U.S. Joint Chiefs reiterated their recommendation to bomb Cuban weapons installations, while Castro urged a preemptive strike against the U.S.
U.S. Air Force pilot Rudolf Anderson Jr. was conducting reconnaissance in an unarmed U-2 spy plane over Cuba. The Soviets detected the plane and feared Anderson could photograph tactical nuclear weapons near Guantanamo Bay.
Without authorization from the commanding general, Lieutenant General Stepan Grechko ordered the plane destroyed. Two antiaircraft missiles were fired, and one struck the plane’s cockpit, killing Anderson. The plane crashed. [7]
3 The Most Dangerous Day, Part 2: Détente or Death
Anderson’s death heightened the tension. The crisis would either de-escalate or escalate to a point of no return. Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev knew this.
Khrushchev realized he was losing control due to the remote battleground and many players involved. A nuclear holocaust could result from rogue subordinates or mistakes.
Kennedy’s position was worse. Retaliation might lead to nuclear war. Even a measured response risked millions of American lives to save face.
Kennedy’s choice to de-escalate might be the most important decision of the 20th Century. He feared escalation leading to a point where “there [would be] no one around to do so.” JFK hoped Khrushchev was equally clear-eyed and sent his brother to avert catastrophe. [8]
2 A Tale of Two Letters
On October 27, JFK received a conciliatory letter from Khrushchev, bringing relief.
Hours later, a sterner letter arrived, publicly stating that the USSR would remove its missiles if the U.S. pledged not to invade Cuba and remove its missile installations in Turkey.
Was Khrushchev losing control? Kennedy faced a dilemma. A public quid pro quo would reward bad behavior and contradict NATO tenets.
Kennedy responded to Khrushchev’s first letter, and Robert Kennedy secretly met with Anatoly Dobrynin, the Soviet ambassador. The U.S. would remove the missiles from Turkey within six months, but the arrangement had to remain secret.
Both Kennedys and the world waited, unsure if the sun would rise again. [9]
1 Back from the Brink
On October 28, the sun rose, and a letter arrived. It contained the news: The Soviet government ordered the dismantling and return of the “offensive” weapons.
The crisis was receding, with no demand for the U.S. to remove its missiles from Turkey. Six months later, the U.S. did so.
Kennedy emerged stronger. The naval quarantine continued for nearly a month, reinforcing America’s resolve. On November 20, JFK announced its termination after confirming that all missiles and bombers had been withdrawn. [10]
Leave your comments below about your thoughts on these untold tales.
