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In approximately March or April of 1962, the Soviet Premier, Nikita Kruschev, decided to place offensive missiles in Cuba as a strategic move in the Soviet struggle with the United States. Castro had long desired short-range missiles capable of attacking Miami, hoping that this would deter a possible U.S. invasion. However, Kruschev’s aim was not the protection of Cuba. Indeed, he wanted to install long-range missiles capable of striking any point in the U.S -- a step that might actually make Cuba a target. Though Castro was not completely happy with this scenario, he hoped that a connection between the fates of Cuba and the Soviet Union would mean greater overall security for his country, and so he agreed.
Construction of the missiles began, and in August of 1962 U.S. President John Kennedy was informed that the Soviets were installing offensive missiles in Cuba. After several days of deliberation, Kennedy ordered a quarantine of all military equipment shipments to Cuba. For six days, the countries were locked in a test of wills. This moment in history is widely regarded as the closest the world has come to nuclear war. Kruschev finally sent a letter to Kennedy offering to remove the weapons, and Kennedy accepted on the condition that the UN would be allowed to verify the removal. Meanwhile, Castro found out about the agreement through the press and was outraged at the fact that he had been ignored as a player in the event. He felt betrayed by Kruschev and dismissed by Kennedy. In a final act to assert his control, Castro refused to allow the UN to inspect the missile sites. In so doing, Castro embarrassed the Soviets and asserted Cuba’s identity as a sovereign nation.
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