The 1900s is known for various scientific and technological breakthroughs. Nuclear weaponry is a momentous example of such advancement. With the introduction of the atomic bomb by the Manhattan Project, the world powers launched into action. While the nations continued to gain power and influence over the rest of the world, they each needed to be assured that another would not be considered more powerful. The United States and the Soviet Union, for example, kept trying to surpass each other in power, as well as, nuclear capabilities. The clash between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis can be used to explore the effects of the nuclear weaponry on a global scale. Technological advancement such as atomic bombs inevitably led to increased international hostility and contest for world dominance. The cutthroat oneupmanship between the United States and the USSR during the Cuban Missile Crisis depicts the competitive direction that technology took towards weapons of mass destruction.
Following World War II and the first utilization of the atomic bomb, the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union each found themselves at a critical position with the ability to spread their influence throughout the world. With two very different fundamental belief systems, the two sides were bound to clash as they both desired to grow and strengthen their country as a whole. They soon would become involved in another war: the Cold War. The Cuban Missile Crisis refers to the thirteen-day standoff between The United States of America and the Soviet Union during the proxy war regarding the assembly of Soviet nuclear-tipped missiles in Cuba. There was added pressure on the Soviet leaders since there were American missiles stationed in Turkey, with Russia within range. They both wanted clear shots of each other’s land in case the other attempted any attack.
The nuclear bomb and its capability of resulting in complete destruction captured the interests of world power leaders as means of power and world dominance. Success with this particular technological advancement would contribute into making one nation to be feared and regarded carefully by others. The clash between the United States and USSR demonstrated their desire for surpassing each other in terms of nuclear power. With each side unrelenting of their missile placement, they remained at a standstill and potentially devastating nuclear energy on standby. The nuclear bomb had nations like the United States and the Soviet Union scrambling for such energy, especially with the development of Russia’s first hydrogen bombs.
There was also a great sense of paranoia during this time as each side. The fear and unease was showcased by both sides in various ways. The United States first assembled a blockade around Cuba to ensure that no other weapons of mass destruction could be transported in the island. This military tactic by President John F. Kennedy in addition to threatening the Soviet Union and Cuba their plans to retaliate should there be any missiles launched from the island. Moreover, American leaders did not know for sure where else nuclear missiles would be hidden or carried as means of cargo to be delivered. For example, an American reconnaissance ship did not expect that a Soviet submarine would be carrying a nuclear-tipped torpedo (Mozgovoi). Also, leaders knew that if either side dropped a bomb, chaos would ensue as alternating retaliation would lead to great destruction. Americans did not want to drop bombs on Cuba, well-aware that the course of action is wrong and would lead to nuclear warfare for no reason (Kennedy 29). The thought of a nuclear war erupting was the origin of the deep paranoia that took hold of both sides. President Kennedy, for instance, worried that a mixed signal or miscalculation would lead to a strike that could have been avoided (Blight 20). Fully understanding the importance of clear communication, the leaders of both powers created the Moscow-Washington Hotline, also known as the nuclear hotline. The 24-hour a day communication link between the two nations would reduce the possibility of nuclear warfare due to a slight misinterpretation of a message. The increased hostile relationships between the two world powers were seen through the many implementations to avoid causing mutually assured mass destruction.
Having nuclear weapons would seem crucial for a leader when defending one’s home country. The slight interest in the nuclear bomb can stem from the fact that it can prove to be potential devastating retaliation against an attacker (Blight 4). The United States and the Soviet Union, two growing world powers are bound to desire means of protection for their people. Further, the Crisis had two sides vehemently opposed to one another. Along with Cuban leaders, the Nikita Khrushchev had no desire of dismantling their missiles in Cuba. The American leaders and their allies in NATO refused to dismantle theirs in Turkey. Neither side was willing to surrender, both prepared to fight (Allyn 21). Nuclear weapons would capture the attention of country leaders it they seemed to hold means of security and self-preservation. Both the United States and the Soviet Union understood the meaning of owning such power that would benefit the respective country as a whole.
In summary, the many developments during the Cuban Missile Crisis showcased the effects of harnessed nuclear energy on a global scale. The significant technological invention of the atomic bomb led to increased international hostility and competition for world power This can be seen through the various clashes of the United States and the Soviet Union during the proxy war: the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Following World War II and the first utilization of the atomic bomb, the leaders of the United States and the Soviet Union each found themselves at a critical position with the ability to spread their influence throughout the world. With two very different fundamental belief systems, the two sides were bound to clash as they both desired to grow and strengthen their country as a whole. They soon would become involved in another war: the Cold War. The Cuban Missile Crisis refers to the thirteen-day standoff between The United States of America and the Soviet Union during the proxy war regarding the assembly of Soviet nuclear-tipped missiles in Cuba. There was added pressure on the Soviet leaders since there were American missiles stationed in Turkey, with Russia within range. They both wanted clear shots of each other’s land in case the other attempted any attack.
The nuclear bomb and its capability of resulting in complete destruction captured the interests of world power leaders as means of power and world dominance. Success with this particular technological advancement would contribute into making one nation to be feared and regarded carefully by others. The clash between the United States and USSR demonstrated their desire for surpassing each other in terms of nuclear power. With each side unrelenting of their missile placement, they remained at a standstill and potentially devastating nuclear energy on standby. The nuclear bomb had nations like the United States and the Soviet Union scrambling for such energy, especially with the development of Russia’s first hydrogen bombs.
There was also a great sense of paranoia during this time as each side. The fear and unease was showcased by both sides in various ways. The United States first assembled a blockade around Cuba to ensure that no other weapons of mass destruction could be transported in the island. This military tactic by President John F. Kennedy in addition to threatening the Soviet Union and Cuba their plans to retaliate should there be any missiles launched from the island. Moreover, American leaders did not know for sure where else nuclear missiles would be hidden or carried as means of cargo to be delivered. For example, an American reconnaissance ship did not expect that a Soviet submarine would be carrying a nuclear-tipped torpedo (Mozgovoi). Also, leaders knew that if either side dropped a bomb, chaos would ensue as alternating retaliation would lead to great destruction. Americans did not want to drop bombs on Cuba, well-aware that the course of action is wrong and would lead to nuclear warfare for no reason (Kennedy 29). The thought of a nuclear war erupting was the origin of the deep paranoia that took hold of both sides. President Kennedy, for instance, worried that a mixed signal or miscalculation would lead to a strike that could have been avoided (Blight 20). Fully understanding the importance of clear communication, the leaders of both powers created the Moscow-Washington Hotline, also known as the nuclear hotline. The 24-hour a day communication link between the two nations would reduce the possibility of nuclear warfare due to a slight misinterpretation of a message. The increased hostile relationships between the two world powers were seen through the many implementations to avoid causing mutually assured mass destruction.
Having nuclear weapons would seem crucial for a leader when defending one’s home country. The slight interest in the nuclear bomb can stem from the fact that it can prove to be potential devastating retaliation against an attacker (Blight 4). The United States and the Soviet Union, two growing world powers are bound to desire means of protection for their people. Further, the Crisis had two sides vehemently opposed to one another. Along with Cuban leaders, the Nikita Khrushchev had no desire of dismantling their missiles in Cuba. The American leaders and their allies in NATO refused to dismantle theirs in Turkey. Neither side was willing to surrender, both prepared to fight (Allyn 21). Nuclear weapons would capture the attention of country leaders it they seemed to hold means of security and self-preservation. Both the United States and the Soviet Union understood the meaning of owning such power that would benefit the respective country as a whole.
In summary, the many developments during the Cuban Missile Crisis showcased the effects of harnessed nuclear energy on a global scale. The significant technological invention of the atomic bomb led to increased international hostility and competition for world power This can be seen through the various clashes of the United States and the Soviet Union during the proxy war: the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Works Cited
Mozgovoi, Alexander, The Cuban Samba of the Quartet of Foxtrots: Soviet Submarines in the Caribbean Crisis of 1962 Moscow, Military Parade, 2002 Translated by Svetlana Savranskaya, National Security Archive.
Kennedy, Robert F., and Arthur Meier Schlesinger. Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis. N.p.: W. W. Norton, 2011. Print.
Allyn, Bruce J., Blight, James G., and David A. Welch. Cuba on the Brink: Castro, the Missile Crisis, and the Soviet Collapse. New York: Pantheon, 1993. Print.
Blight, James G. The Shattered Crystal Ball: Fear and Learning in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Savage, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 1990. Print.
Welch, David A. and Blight, James G. Intelligence and the Cuban Missile Crisis. London: Frank Cass, 1998. Print.
Kennedy, Robert F., and Arthur Meier Schlesinger. Thirteen Days: A Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis. N.p.: W. W. Norton, 2011. Print.
Allyn, Bruce J., Blight, James G., and David A. Welch. Cuba on the Brink: Castro, the Missile Crisis, and the Soviet Collapse. New York: Pantheon, 1993. Print.
Blight, James G. The Shattered Crystal Ball: Fear and Learning in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Savage, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 1990. Print.
Welch, David A. and Blight, James G. Intelligence and the Cuban Missile Crisis. London: Frank Cass, 1998. Print.