Conceptions of the Cold War

My most informed interviewee was my father. He wasn’t just an expert who could tell me everything I know, but he knew enough to give me the general idea. While speaking with him, I was told that the Cold War was not a war like we would think of now. It was a political war much like we are dealing with now. He referred to it as an “espionage power struggle.” During the interviews, it was obvious; the two directly involved countries were the Soviet Union and the United States. However the US did not become directly involved until the anti-American dictator Fidel Castro seized the vulnerable Cuba in 1959 declaring his commitment to the communist party. Cuba became a threat to the United States during their move to building a closer relationship with Russia. Eisenhower ordered the CIA to arm and train a force of Cubans who had been barred from their home country for an attack on Cuba. There was great tension between the US and the Soviet Union parties. He added five new Army divisions increasing the nations air power and military reserves. Sen. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon both committed themselves to strengthen American military forces and promised a tough stance against the Soviet Union and other international communism. Kennedy blamed and criticized the Eisenhower admin for the permitting the development of a communist government in Cuba. It was feared that the plan would fail. President Kennedy addressed the American people informing them that America must be prepared to defend when talk wouldn’t work but only if force was used upon America. President Kennedy ordered an increase in the US’ intercontinental missile forces. In 1961, Kennedy gave the orders for the exiles to invade. The plan failed making Castro’s power in Cuba stronger. Castro requested Soviet Union military aid and at this time nuclear rockets were