In summary, the Cuban Missile Crisis was a 13-day standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union in October 1962, triggered by the discovery of nuclear missiles in Cuba. The Soviet Union saw the placement of missiles as a necessary response and the crisis ended with a compromise, with the missiles being removed from Cuba in exchange for promises from both sides. The potential consequences of the crisis were a full-scale nuclear war and strained relations between the superpowers. However, it also led to improved communication and negotiations and emphasized the importance of diplomacy in international relations.