Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The Cuban Missile Crisis is widely regarded as a crucial turning point in U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War due to its implications for U.S.-Soviet relations and the broader context of nuclear strategy. Occurring in October 1962, this 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union revolved around the presence of Soviet ballistic missiles in Cuba. The crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war, highlighting the intense rivalry and the precarious nature of global stability during the Cold War.

One of the significant outcomes of the Cuban Missile Crisis was the establishment of a direct communication link between Washington and Moscow, known as the “hotline.” This created better channels for communication to prevent future crises from escalating uncontrollably. Additionally, the event led to a reevaluation of U.S. nuclear strategy, resulting in a shift toward a more cautious approach in dealing with Soviet aggression. The crisis underscored the urgency of arms control, which later led to treaties aimed at reducing the risk of nuclear confrontation.

While the Vietnam War and the Korean War were also pivotal in shaping U.S. foreign policy, they did not heighten the immediate threat of nuclear war in the same way the Cuban Missile Crisis did, nor did they prompt