The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 was a pivotal moment in Cold War history, bringing the US and Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war over Soviet missiles in Cuba. This summary examines the key events leading up to, during, and after the crisis, including the Cuban Revolution, Bay of Pigs invasion, naval blockade, and resulting agreements. It provides insight into the examination details for Pearson Edexcel GCSE history on superpower relations and analyzes the consequences of Soviet Union collapse 1991 as well as the key events of the Cuban Missile Crisis 1962.
• The crisis stemmed from Cold War tensions and Cuba's alignment with the Soviet Union after the 1959 Cuban Revolution
• Key events included the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, discovery of Soviet missiles in Cuba, and US naval blockade
• The crisis was resolved through tense negotiations, with both sides making concessions to avoid nuclear war
• Aftermath included improved US-Soviet communications and limits on nuclear testing
