The Cuban Missile Crisis began in 1962 when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev considered stationing nuclear missiles in Cuba as a response to the US's nuclear missiles stationed in Turkey. He eventually snuck medium and intermediate-range missiles into Cuba, causing President Kennedy to hold meetings with advisers to decide on a course of action. Kennedy ultimately decided to institute a naval blockade, and discussions of war and diplomacy raged on. The crisis escalated when the US discovered that Soviet warheads were heading for Cuba, and tensions rose until a resolution was finally reached.
Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. In April 1962, Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev is near his villa on the Black Sea.
2. Khrushchev considers deploying nuclear missiles in Cuba.
3. Khrushchev's intercontinental missiles are inaccurate and slow to launch.
4. Khrushchev plans to secretly station medium and intermediate-range missiles in Cuba.
5. Fidel Castro agrees to help defend world revolution by accepting the missiles.
6. Soviet troops and equipment, including missiles, arrive in Cuba in early September.
7. President Kennedy is briefed about the operational medium-range missiles in Cuba.
8. Kennedy faces pressure to take action due to the political situation.
9. Three plans are developed: Diplomacy, Blockade, and Air Strike.
10. Kennedy's concern about Khrushchev's motives and a comparison to the US missiles in Turkey.
11. US warships conduct an exercise near Cuba on October 17th.
12. Intelligence reports indicate operational Soviet missiles in Cuba.
13. Debate within EXCOMM over the best course of action.
14. Kennedy's concerns about a nuclear war.
15. Khrushchev receives intelligence about US activities.
16. Khrushchev considers options, including disallowing the use of long-range missiles.
17. Kennedy sends an ultimatum to the Soviets.
18. Soviet freighters with nuclear warheads approach the American blockade.
These facts provide a chronological overview of the events leading up to the Cuban Missile Crisis.