A Day That Shook The World: Cuban Missile Crisis

Thursday 07 April 2011 00:00 BST
Comments
(Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

On 28 October 1962, the world came as close as it has ever been to nuclear war.

With Soviet nuclear missiles en route to communist Cuba, US president JFK was determined to prevent them from arriving. It was a terrible game of atomic brinksmanship which so nearly ended in global catastrophe, as neither side wanted to lose face by backing down.

In the end, Soviet premier Kruschev blinked first, withdrawing his ships on the proviso that America would not invade Cuba.

Find out more in this British Pathe newsreel which shows the treaty being agreed and troops withdrawal.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in