Today in History - 22nd October
|
Today in History - 22nd October22nd October 1962 - President Kennedy declares beginning of Cuban Missile Crisis63 years ago today, U.S. President John F. Kennedy addressed his nation to announce the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, marking the beginning of the Cuban Missile Crisis — the closest the world ever came to nuclear war. Days earlier, American spy planes photographed Soviet missile sites under construction in Cuba, just 90 miles from the U.S. mainland. In his televised speech, Kennedy demanded the immediate removal of the weapons and announced a naval “quarantine” around the Caribbean country to prevent further Soviet shipments. For thirteen tense days, the United States and the Soviet Union faced off in a dangerous nuclear standoff, with both sides preparing for potential conflict. The world watched anxiously as diplomatic channels worked frantically to avert catastrophe. The crisis ended when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev agreed to withdraw the missiles in exchange for a U.S. pledge not to invade Cuba and the quiet removal of American missiles from Turkey. The episode became a defining moment of the Cold War, showcasing the peril of nuclear brinkmanship and the power of measured diplomacy. Like what you read - Why not share this link and tell your friends to subscribe? |
Today in History
Subscribe for a short daily email about what happened today in history
Today in History - 23rd October 23rd October 1956 - Hungarian Revolution begins in Budapest A Soviet army vehicle burning on the streets of Budapest 69 years ago today, the Hungarian Revolution began in Budapest, as thousands of students and workers took to the streets to demand freedom, democracy, and an end to Soviet domination. Whilst the demonstration initially started as a peaceful protest, it quickly escalated into a full-scale national uprising. Imre Nagy - de facto Hungarian Prime...
Today in History - 21st October 21st October 1805 - Nelson's British navy defeats French and Spanish fleets at Battle of Trafalgar The Battle of Trafalgar by William Clarkson Stanfield 220 years ago today, the Battle of Trafalgar was fought off the southwest coast of Spain, in which the British Royal Navy, commanded by Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, defeated the combined fleets of France and Spain. The victory dashed Napoleon's hopes of invading Britain and secured British control of the seas...
Today in History - 20th October 20th October 1977 - Lynyrd Skynyrd members killed in plane crash The crash site 47 years ago today, a plane carrying the American Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd - responsible for hits like Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird - crashed, killing six people and injuring 20 others. Among the dead were lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backup vocalist Cassie Gaines. Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1977 The band released their fifth album Street Survivors in...