The Cuban Missile Crisis: A Turning Point in US-Soviet Relations
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Evaluate the impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis on US–Soviet relations.
ESSAY
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 had a significant impact on US-Soviet relations, shaping both countries' foreign policies and approaches to nuclear weapons. This essay will evaluate the consequences of the crisis on the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Both the US and the Soviet Union emerged from the Cuban Missile Crisis believing they had achieved key objectives without appearing weak. Soviet Premier Khrushchev was seen as saving Cuba from US invasion and securing the removal of US missiles from Turkey, while US President Kennedy had successfully confronted the Soviet Union and prevented nuclear missiles from being stationed in Cuba. This perception of victory on both sides helped maintain a certain level of respect and willingness to engage in dialogue to prevent future crises.
One of the immediate outcomes of the crisis was the establishment of a direct communication hotline between the White House and the Kremlin, aimed at preventing misunderstandings and escalating tensions. Additionally, the crisis led to a renewed focus on arms control and disarmament negotiations. The Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1963 was a direct result of the Cuban Missile Crisis, showing both countries' willingness to cooperate in limiting the spread of nuclear weapons.
However, the aftermath of the crisis also had long-term implications for US-Soviet relations. Khrushchev's handling of the crisis, particularly the perceived backing down by agreeing to withdraw missiles from Cuba, contributed to his political downfall in the Soviet Union. His successor, Brezhnev, adopted a more cautious approach and sought to ease tensions with the US through détente.
Despite efforts to improve relations, both countries continued their military build-up in the years following the crisis. The Soviet Union invested heavily in advanced missile technology, while the US significantly increased its Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) fleet. This arms race was fueled by the belief that a strong military deterrent was necessary to prevent future conflicts.
Furthermore, the Cuban Missile Crisis influenced US policy towards the Soviet Union's Communist allies, such as in Vietnam. The crisis provided justification for the US to adopt a more aggressive stance against perceived Soviet influence, leading to increased military involvement in regional conflicts.
In conclusion, while the Cuban Missile Crisis had both positive and negative consequences for US-Soviet relations, its most enduring legacy was the reinforcement of a nuclear arms race and a continued militarization of foreign policy on both sides. The crisis showcased the dangers of nuclear brinksmanship and the need for dialogue and cooperation to prevent catastrophic conflict.
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Evaluate the impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis on US–Soviet relations:
Both sides in the crisis believed that they had won a victory. Khrushchev had saved Cuba from invasion by the US and secured a secret deal for the removal of the US Jupiter missiles from Turkey. On the other hand, Kennedy had stood up to the Soviet Union and kept nuclear missiles out of Cuba. Neither side had lost face, and both kept to the agreements they had made and were keen for a dialogue between them to continue.
As a result of the crisis, Kennedy became convinced of the dangers of nuclear brinksmanship. A Moscow-Washington hotline was set up giving a direct phone link between the White House and the Kremlin. The crisis also provided the impetus to renew the test ban negotiations which had first started in 1955. Kennedy, in his letter of 28 October 1962 to Khrushchev, suggested that it was necessary to put greater efforts toward limiting nuclear arms testing and the Soviet Union agreed. In 1963, the Limited Nuclear Test Ban Treaty was signed by the US, Britain, and the Soviet Union. The treaty banned nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water.
More progress was made in 1969 with the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty. Both countries promoted the idea of ‘peaceful coexistence’. The resolution of the crisis made Khrushchev unpopular with the hardliners in the Soviet Union; they were opposed to his withdrawal of weapons but unaware of his secret agreement with Kennedy. Whereas Khrushchev had made his decisions to withdraw the weapons from Cuba public, Kennedy had made a secret agreement over the Jupiter missiles which left Khrushchev facing mounting criticism leading to him being ousted from office two years later; he was accused of reckless decision-making and of lacking the ability to lead the Soviet Union with the crisis being listed among his greatest mistakes by the Central Committee of the Communist Party.
His deal was seen as a retreat from the standoff, and a great victory for the US. His successor, Brezhnev sought to ease tensions with the US. The Cuban Missile crisis did pave the way for a period of détente at the beginning of the next decade and there was closer cooperation between the superpowers on human rights, nuclear disarmament, and trade.
However, while both sides were keen to avoid a repetition of the crisis, this did not prevent them from continuing to build up arms. Brezhnev and Kosygin led the Soviet Union on a massive military build-up. The Soviet government increased their research and funding of ICBMs in the years that followed, leading to a stockpiling of advanced missiles capable of hitting targets in the US. Similarly, the US continued to build up its military hardware and resources in the years to come. Within a year of the crisis, Secretary of Defense McNamara announced that the US would triple its ICBM fleet to 1700 by 1966.
Kennedy felt encouraged to be more assertive against the Soviet Union’s Communist allies in Vietnam and US policymakers used the crisis as justification for the nuclear arms build-up which was to become an essential part of the foreign policy towards the Soviet Union.