The Crisis Years: Mayday and At the Highest Levels

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union in October 1962, during the Cold War. It is generally regarded as the closest the world has ever come to nuclear war.

Michael Beschloss on the Cold War: The Crisis Years, Mayday, and At the Highest Levels

by Ted Widmer

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9968 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	2272 pages
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The crisis began on October 16, 1962, when a U-2 spy plane flying over Cuba took photographs of Soviet nuclear missiles being installed on the island. President John F. Kennedy was informed of the findings the following day, and he immediately ordered a naval blockade of Cuba.

The Soviet Union responded by sending more ships to Cuba, and the two superpowers were on the brink of war. However, after a series of tense negotiations, the Soviets agreed to remove the missiles from Cuba in exchange for a US pledge not to invade the island.

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a watershed moment in the Cold War. It showed both the dangers of nuclear proliferation and the importance of diplomacy. It also led to a new era of détente between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Mayday

Mayday is an international distress signal used to indicate a life-threatening emergency. It is typically transmitted by voice or Morse code, and it is recognized by all maritime and aeronautical authorities.

The word "mayday" comes from the French phrase "m'aider," which means "help me." It was first used as a distress signal in 1923, and it has been used ever since.

Mayday is only used in life-threatening emergencies. It should not be used for non-urgent matters, such as requesting assistance with a minor repair.

At the Highest Levels

At the Highest Levels is a book by Robert F. Kennedy about the Cuban Missile Crisis. The book provides a firsthand account of the crisis from the perspective of the US Attorney General.

Kennedy was one of the key figures in the US government during the crisis, and he played a major role in the negotiations with the Soviet Union. His book provides a unique and insightful look at one of the most dangerous moments in history.

At the Highest Levels is a must-read for anyone interested in the Cuban Missile Crisis or the Cold War.

The Cuban Missile Crisis was a defining moment in the Cold War. It showed the dangers of nuclear proliferation and the importance of diplomacy. It also led to a new era of détente between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Mayday is an international distress signal used to indicate a life-threatening emergency. It should only be used in non-urgent matters.

At the Highest Levels is a book by Robert F. Kennedy about the Cuban Missile Crisis. The book provides a firsthand account of the crisis from the perspective of the US Attorney General.

Michael Beschloss on the Cold War: The Crisis Years, Mayday, and At the Highest Levels

by Ted Widmer

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9968 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	2272 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE