"It's crazy that two men, sitting on opposite sides of the world, could decide to end civilization." (John F. Kennedy) The Cuban Missile Crisis has sown fear in the United States and around the world. Avoiding a major world conflict required patience and intelligent planning. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, the United States was forced to act to stop Soviet influence in the West, safeguard itself, and protect the world. The escalating crisis came without warning. The Cubans learned of the arrival and deployment of these missiles, and hundreds of reports were sent to Miami, Florida. These missiles were perceived as mediocre. Therefore the missiles were not taken seriously by the people. CIA agents further explored information about missiles in Cuba and discovered transport trucks carrying large cylindrical loads that could not turn without backing up and also discovered some of the locations of suspected missiles. As a result, photographs secretly taken by an American U-2 spy plane operated by the Air Force verified the Soviet missile construction sites. The discovery of these missiles capable of mass destruction was shocking and, even more alarming, they were within range of Washington, D.C. Cuba is only about ninety miles from the United States. In fact, on a clear day it can be seen off the coast of Florida. The newly discovered information about these Soviet warheads was not provided to President John F. Kennedy until the next day to allow him to rest and be ready for what would happen the next day. President Kennedy did not want the Soviet Union to know. that he had discovered the missile construction sites before he could take any action. A secret meeting with nine members of the Nation... at the center of the card... but let there be peace and freedom, here in this hemisphere and, we hope, throughout the world." (John F. Kennedy)Works CitedDallek, Robert and Terry Golway. “The Cuban Missile Crisis.” Let Every Nation Know: John F. Kennedy in His Own Words. Naperville, IL: Source MediaFusion. 184. Print.Goldman, Jerry and Giel Stein. The Cuban Missile Crisis. Np, nd Web. March 14, 2014. “Cuban Missile Crisis.” History.com. A&E Television Networks and Web. March 14, 2014. “Modern History Sourcebook: John F. Kennedy: Speech on the Cuban Crisis, 22 October 1962." Modern History Sourcebook: John F. Kennedy: Address on the Cuban Crisis, October 22, 1962. Np, nd Web. March 14. 2014. .