explain the resons why the results of the cuban missile crisis reflect a nuclear statement between the USA and the USSR.

In the entire 40 years period of cold war , Cuban missile crisis represented the only event when both USA and USSR , the two nuclear powered adversaries , came to the doorsteps of a full-fledged armed confrontation . The crisis was precipitated by USSR 's decision to built nuclear missile bases at Cuba , and USA 's unqualified opposition to the USSR 's plans . The threat perception of USA was valid as Cuba was in the very close proximity to USA mainland , had communist orientation and therefore deployment of nuclear missiles presented real risks to national

security of America . The Cuban Missile Crisis brought entire world to standstill for a week with an imminent threat of a full blown nuclear war . Finally the crisis was resolved with USSR withdrawing its missiles and USA recognizing Cuba as a non-threatening nation

Cuba , Cold War and USSR

American Intelligence had turned its attention to Cuba soon after Cuban Revolution of 1959 when Fidel Castro overthrew dictatorial rule to establish his own government . Despite the early period of bonhomie USA 's perception of Castro took a negative side when he executed many supporters of former Cuban dictator who had pro US bearing , toyed with the idea of setting a date for free elections , confiscated American property without warning or paying compensation , and started his own line of dictatorship that suppressed freedom of expression and political opposition . Naturally such ostensibly anti-American theatrics endeared Cuba to communist sections of world , and it increasingly became dependent on Soviet military and economic assistance

When US spy planes and reconnaissance efforts found by October 14 , 1962 that Soviet Union was on the way of preparing a comprehensive missile base in Cuba that included launch pads for ICBM and MRBM missiles , it was immediately clear that world was headed towards a big showdown between two of its most powerful nations . The news was rapidly conveyed to Intelligence heads and the office of President . It was immediately clear to every one that by placing nuclear missiles in the proximity of USA , USSR had openly challenged US influence . Many top level defense strategists felt that unless USA would act with resolution , its reputation would take a irrevocable beating from Soviet Union , providing a great impetus for growth of communist forces around the world . Whereas US defense secretary of the time , Robert McNamara , argued against taking any action and ignoring the situation altogether , many believed that political fallout of the missile crisis could be devastating for USA

The one question that had stirred everyone related to intent and purpose of Soviet Union . No body was sure whether this was a mere populist stunt by Khrushchev to humiliate USA and gain popularity , a strategic error on part of Soviet leadership , or actual preparation of an impending war that was secretly pushed ahead in Kremlin . The question of Cuba also , in way , could determine fate of John F . Kennedy who could fall out of public favor if he was perceived to be softening against the glaring communist offensive . Kennedy...