Discuss the causes and consequences of the Cuban missile crisis, and assess President Kennedy's handling of the crisis.

The Cuban missile crisis was a 13-day confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union in October 1962, which was the closest the world has ever come to nuclear war. The crisis was caused by the Soviet Union's decision to place nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, in response to the United States placing missiles in Turkey and Italy. This move by the Soviet Union was seen as a direct threat to the security of the United States, and tensions quickly escalated.

The consequences of the Cuban missile crisis were significant. It led to a heightened sense of fear and anxiety around the world, as people feared the possibility of nuclear war. It also led to a significant shift in the balance of power between the United States and the Soviet Union, as the crisis demonstrated the potential for catastrophic consequences of the arms race between the two superpowers.

President Kennedy's handling of the crisis has been widely praised. He initially imposed a naval blockade around Cuba to prevent further Soviet shipments of missiles, and he also engaged in secret negotiations with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev to find a peaceful resolution. Kennedy's decision to pursue a diplomatic solution rather than a military one was seen as a wise and courageous move, and it ultimately led to the removal of the missiles from Cuba and a de-escalation of tensions between the two superpowers.

In conclusion, the Cuban missile crisis was a pivotal moment in the Cold War, and its causes and consequences have had a lasting impact on global politics. President Kennedy's handling of the crisis has been widely regarded as a successful example of crisis management and diplomacy.