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Launch of Sputnik
Sputnik 1 was the first artificial Earth satellite launched by the Soviets on October 4, 1957. The spacecraft obtained data pertaining to the density of the upper layers of the atmosphere and the propagation of radio signals in the ionosphere. This launch has said to be the spark of the arms race between the US and Soviets. Americans reacted with dismay that the Soviets could have gotten so far ahead of the supposedly technologically superior United States. -
Fidel Castro assumes power after the Cuban Revolution
The Cuban Revolution was a revolt conducted by Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement and its allies against the authoritarian government of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista which occurred from 1953-1959. As Castro took over, he nationalized US-owned businesses such as factories, ending diplomatic relations and imposing a trade embargo. During this time, Castro would soon to be working alongside with Castro. -
Bay of Pigs
After Fidel Castro overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista, a group of about 1,500 Cuban exiles trained by the CIA took part in the invasion in which the plan was to overthrow Castro. On February 1961, Kennedy authorized the invasion plan and to launch a surprise attack by conducting a strike against Cuban airfields. However, Castro knew about the raid and moved his planes ahead of time. The invasion was a disaster, with exiles being arrested. -
Berlin Wall
The building of the Berlin Wall started on August 13, 1961. The wall was cut off between West Berlin (Democratic) and East Berlin (Communist). The wall was built to close off access to West Berlin from the East since many were fleeing to the West to escape. The wall eventually grew in size and replaced wire to concrete walls, with the top filled with barbed wire and watchtowers. 5,000 people managed to escape, but 191 were killed attempting to escape. -
U-2 plane discovers missiles in Cuba
On October 14, 1962, a pilot flying the U-2 spy plane discovered the missile sites being built by the Soviet Union and was able to get a photograph. The missiles were installed just 90 miles south of Florida and according to Khrushchev, this was done to increase nuclear strike capability. -
Kennedy announces the presence of offensive missile sites in Cuba
8 days later after the U-2 plane discovered the missiles in Cuba, Kennedy delivered a speech and announced to the public that the US will establish a blockade around the island and any nuclear attack from Cuba is considered an act of war. -
Military forces go to DEFCON 2
On October 24, Soviet ships en route to Cuba capable of carrying military cargoes appeared to have slowed down, altered or reversed their course as they approached the quarantine, but one ship which was the Bucharest. The Joint Chiefs of Staff and military forces then went into DEFCON 2, knowing that they were at the risk of war. The DEFCON 2 in this period was the highest military alert ever reached in the postwar era. -
Kennedy sends a letter to Khrushchev
Kennedy had just received Khrushchev's letter the day before, laying the responsibility for the crisis on the Soviet Union. In Kennedy's letter, he states that there were offensive weapons being sent by the Soviets but were received information from the Soviet government that offensive weapons were never sent. Kennedy then accuses Khrushchev of false information and challenges him. -
An American U-2 is shot down over Cuba
On October 27, 1962, Rudolf Anderson Jr. was on his Operation Brass Knob mission. After entering Cuban air space, he was noticed by the Soviet radar and he was tracked down immediately. After Lt. General Greckho noticed he was around for an hour, he gave the order to shoot the plane down. An air missile exploded near the U2 plane and plunged 72,000 feet which instantly killed Rudolf Anderson. -
Agreeing to remove missiles from Cuba
The most dangerous 13 days of the Cold War had just ended. Radio Moscow announced that Khrushchev has accepted the proposed solution affirming that the missiles will be removed while in return, the US promised to not invade the island of Cuba. -
Kennedy speech at Berlin Wall
Kennedy's famous speech was called the “Ich bin ein Berliner” which translates to “I am a Berliner”, which was delivered on June 26, 1963 in West Berlin.
This speech was regarded as the best-known speech of the Cold War and the most famous anti-communist speech.
Kennedy's message was aimed as much at the Soviets as it was at Berliners and was a clear statement of U.S. policy in the wake of the construction of the Berlin Wall.
