On Monday, October 15, 1962 the US was alerted to the imminent danger of nuclear weapons targeted towards its shores. The Cuban Missile Crisis represents the pinnacle of the Cold War. It was perhaps the closest point to entering a nuclear war the world has ever witnessed. However, thanks to several intelligent strategists and a series of lucky coincidences the world avoided a nuclear holocaust. However, it is interesting how close we came to the brink of destruction in such a short period of time, literally days in which this entire crisis took place. Quick decisions had to be made by strong leaders between countries in a time when cross-continental discussions were difficult to maneuver. The confrontation between the United States, the Soviet Union and Cuba is remembered as a time where diplomacy triumphed and prevented mass destruction while avoiding harsh uses of military intervention. 

Picture taken from JFK Presidential Library and Museum