America's Foreign Policy Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Test Prep

The placement of Soviet missiles in Cuba was primarily driven by the need to protect Cuba from perceived threats, particularly from the United States. After the successful Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, which aimed at overthrowing Fidel Castro's government, Cuba was concerned about further U.S. aggression. By positioning missiles on the island, the Soviet Union aimed to create a deterrent against U.S. military actions. This strategic move was not solely about protecting Cuba; it was also about projecting Soviet power in the region and reinforcing a communist ally within the Western Hemisphere.

While options like supporting the Cuban economy or establishing a base for exporting communism had elements of truth in the broader context of cold war ideology, they were not the main motivations behind the missile deployment. The primary focus was on compromising U.S. influence in the area and safeguarding Cuba from potential invasion or military intervention by the United States. The intimidation factor, although a consequence of the missile placement, stemmed from the protection agenda, reinforcing the notion that safeguarding Cuba was just as vital for the USSR at that time.