Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Which event marked a significant shift in Cold War tensions in 1962?

1. The launch of Sputnik

2. The construction of the Berlin Wall

3. The Cuban Missile Crisis

4. The Vietnam War

The correct answer is: The Cuban Missile Crisis

The Cuban Missile Crisis marked a significant shift in Cold War tensions in 1962 primarily because it brought the United States and the Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war. This pivotal event unfolded over 13 days in October when the U.S. discovered that the Soviet Union had deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from American shores. The crisis showcased the highest level of confrontation between the two superpowers and highlighted the potential for global disaster, leading to urgent communication between the leaders. In response to this alarming escalation, President John F. Kennedy and Premier Nikita Khrushchev engaged in public and private negotiations that would ultimately lead to a de-escalation of tensions. The resolution of the crisis included the U.S. agreeing to remove its missiles from Turkey, as well as a secret promise not to invade Cuba, while the Soviets would dismantle their missile installations in Cuba. This interplay of brinkmanship and diplomacy marked a crucial moment in the Cold War, as it shifted strategies towards a more cautious approach in the face of mutual assured destruction. The other events listed, while significant in the broader context of the Cold War, did not represent a direct confrontation on the scale of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The launch of Sputnik, for example