History 12

Rachel McMillan
UNIT SIX
Who Won the Cuban Missile Crisis?

Describe the criteria that must be met in order for a nation to be determined the winner of the
Cuban Missile Crisis.
In order for a nation to be determined the winner of the Cuban Missile Crisis, the alleged winner
must have a better image in the eyes of their countrys public in comparison to the other involved nations
once the conflict is concluded. As well, the alleged winner must have benefited both in the short-term and
the long-term from the conclusion of the Crisis.
Consider the events and consequences of the Cuban Missile Crisis and come up with as many
arguments as possible to prove why your position is the most plausible explanation for who won the
Cuban Missile Crisis. Explain your arguments and support them with historical evidence.
As the USSR installed nuclear missile bases in Cuba, the Cuban Missile Crisis held the globe on
the brink of war. The Crisis concluded as American President John F. Kennedy enacted a blockade of
Cuba, resulting in the dismantling of the existing nuclear weapons and their bases. While many believe
that President Kennedy and the USA are to be considered the winners of this conflict, I believe the most
success was achieved by the First Secretary of the Communist Party, Nikita Krushchev, in the USSR. As
the Cold War encompassed the issue of appearance and image, Kennedy could be considered a failure as
he was thought of as weak by many American citizens and government officials, as well as the
international community, due to his actions. As stated by Air Force Chief Curtis Lemay, Kennedy was
responsible for the biggest defeat in [Americas] history. Alexander Haig, former United States
Secretary of State, also revealed that the popular story of Krushchev [quailing] before Kennedy was
simply a public relations fable. In comparison, while he may have been criticized by his government,
Krushchev suffered no damage to his reputation in the eyes of Soviet citizens as a result of heavy
censorship. Furthermore, Krushchev obtained more goals and achieved more long-term success as a result
of the Cuban Missile Crisis. For example, regardless of the secretive nature in which it was performed,
American missiles were removed from Turkey. This decreased the influence of the USA in Europe, and
increased safety for the Soviet Union, both of which would be considered Soviet successes. As well,
communism was successfully spread by the USSR. Fidel Castro remained the leader of Cuba after the
American intervention, and his regime lives on as the USA delivers on their promise not to invade Cuba
again. For these reasons, Krushchev should be considered the ultimate winner of the Cuban Missile
Crisis, especially if the Soviet Union leaders original intentions were to use Cuba in order to gain such
concessions.