Question

What was the main reason for the tension in the United States during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

worry about possible war with the USSR
fear about attacks on the US by Cuban exiles
anger about falling behind the USSR in the arms race
concern about infiltration of the US government by spies

Answer 1

The main reason for the tension in the United States during the Cuban Missile Crisis was the **worry about possible war with the USSR**. The presence of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the U.S. mainland, created a direct and immediate threat, leading to fears of a nuclear conflict. This situation heightened Cold War tensions and led to a critical standoff between the U.S. and the USSR.