The Cuban Missile Crisis was another period of great tension between the USSR and the USA; with some involvement from Cuba as well. The crisis was recognised by the USA when they had discovered Soviet missile sites on Cuba. Other large military weapons e.g Soviet ships, also continued to prepare an armament in Cuba. Fortunately, Kennedy tactically combatted the upromising situation with a blockade. The decision was a success, even though Kennedy didn't proceed, with the heads of the US armed forces’ desires for a secret infiltration. I believe that Krushchev intended to erect missiles in Cuba to bargain with the USA, because they had the confidence and would have the possibility to gain American concessions. But this can be contradicted with …show more content…
The USA already had Jupiter missile emplacements in Turkey; close to the southern border of the USSR and missiles in Cuba too. The USSR might have felt threatened, and this was truly evident on October 27, 1962 when Kruschev sent a “tougher” message to Kennedy; demanding removal of US missiles from Cuba. Also, Krushcheve told Kennedy it was the removal of Soviet missiles for the Jupiter missiles in Turkey. Kennedy “bargained” with Krushchev, replying that the blockade would end and to not attack Cuba, as long as Soviet missiles were to be removed. These conditions might have been Khruschev’s intentions all along.
In order for the Krushchev to have executed the bargaining, confidence was essential. In June 1961 Kruschev’s encounter with Kennedy significantly boosted his confidence. Krushchev’s perception of Kennedy was “too young” and “inexperienced” to be a strong leader. The Bays of Pigs Fiasco of 1961 was also a denounciation of Kennedy’s leadership abilities. Kennedy himself admitted that: “How could I have been so stupid?” Even Castro was hailed as a great heron having defeated the mighty USA. With this assurance, Kruscheve could have confidently armed Cuba with nuclear missiles to bargain with the