The Cuban Missile Crisis: Looking Back 60 Years Virtual Program

In 1962, the Soviet Union tried to sneak nuclear missiles into Cuba, but the U.S. caught them. After a 13-day standoff, the U.S. “won” the missile crisis when it forced the Soviets to back down. But is that what really happened: steadfast Americans bravely pushing back against a dangerous and reckless Soviet Union…and saving the world from nuclear destruction? Or is that just the myth we told ourselves in the years since? In reality, both sides came perilously close to total destruction and prevailed mostly through luck and fear. Join Global Affairs professor Allen Pietrobon as we reflect on the Cuban Missile Crisis during its 60th anniversary year. We’ll look at the gripping lives and actions of John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro, and Nikita Khrushchev. How did they lead us into this moment of extreme danger? Whose “fault” was it, really? And did the U.S. “win” after all? We’ll also examine some of the “near misses,” including a Soviet nuclear submarine that came close to firing its weapons at the peak of the crisis and an American spy plane that was shot down over the island. Ultimately, we’ll question what the Cuban Missile Crisis can teach us about the potential for future nuclear conflicts and how a country relying on nuclear weapons to threaten and project power imperils us all. Welcome to CAST Virtual Programs! Provided by the Community and Seniors Together organization., this programming was developed to reach a wide audience of senior citizens, providing an endless variety of interesting subjects via virtual programming. Our Virtual Programs take us across the country, experiencing and learning about places which we’re unable to do in person. Scheduled every Tuesday afternoon at 1pm at the CAST Senior Center, our Virtual Programs are free and open to the public. There are no membership dues and everyone is welcome to attend. Programming is provided by the Senior Learning Network, AARP One Day University, and other online providers. Check out our virtual program schedule every month and join us! We look forward to seeing you!