Nuclear Tension: The Cuban Missile Crisis

What If World History?

In this week's episode, Mark Discusses the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Our first interlude involves a Russian staff captain who overrides a nuclear launch order in the heat of battle.
In our historical overview, Mark probes the head of Nikita Khrushchev to learn why he wanted to station nuclear missiles 90 miles off the US coast. Next, He walks us through some of the retaliatory measures that were contemplated by the Kennedy administration. Finally, we hear about the tense negotiations and peaceful resolution of the nuclear standoff.
In our What If? scenario, Mark imagines a world in which Russian missiles are stationed deep in the Cuban jungle. Wanting to ensure American safety, the Kennedy administration sends a team of Green Berets to sabotage the missiles and remove Khruschev's leverage.
Finally, we look at the What If? aftermath that delivers Kennedy a Nobel Peace Prize and well-deserved retirement.