Describe the role of the Soviet Union in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The Soviet Union played a significant role in the Cuban Missile Crisis by providing military and political support to Cuba. In 1962, the Soviet Union secretly deployed nuclear missiles in Cuba, which posed a direct threat to the United States. This move was in response to the United States' deployment of missiles in Turkey and Italy, near the Soviet Union's borders.

During the crisis, the Soviet Union maintained close communication with Cuba's leader, Fidel Castro, and coordinated their actions. They provided military advisors, technicians, and equipment to help Cuba prepare for a potential U.S. invasion. The Soviet Union also sent ships carrying additional military supplies to Cuba, including more missiles.

When the crisis escalated, the Soviet Union and the United States engaged in intense negotiations. The Soviet Union initially denied the presence of missiles in Cuba but later acknowledged it. They agreed to remove the missiles in exchange for the United States' promise not to invade Cuba and to remove their missiles from Turkey and Italy.

Overall, the Soviet Union's involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union, bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war. However, through diplomatic negotiations, a peaceful resolution was reached, and the crisis was defused.