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Spy plane over Cuba
A U-2 surveillance aircraft shows SS-4 Nuclear missiles in Cuba -
Kennedy Discusses Options
Kennedy calls his committee to discus further actions -
The Blockade
Kennedy decides that a naval blockade is the best option. This will prevent the Soviets from shipping anymore missiles to Cuba. -
Kennedy Addresses the Public
Kennedy tells the public about the naval blockade. U.S. alert is set to DEFCON 3. -
Confrontation at the Blockade
Soviet ships sail up to the blockade line and are told to hold their positions -
The U.N.
U.S. Ambassador Aldai Stevenson tries to speak with the Soviets at the U.N., but they refuse to respond. Military forces set DEFCON 2 (the highest level of defense preparedness set in U.S. history). -
Letter From USSR
Khrushchev sends a letter that he will remove the missiles if America guarantees that they won't invade Cuba. -
The Brink of War
U.S. spy plane accidentally flies over Russia and is shot down by Soviet missiles. Khrushchev sends a second letter demanding that the U.S. remove their missiles from Turkey and Italy. -
The Crisis is Over
Khrushchev announces that he is removing the nuclear missiles in Cuba. -
End of the Blockade
Kennedy terminates the Cuban naval blockade for good.
