Who was the President of the United States during the Cuban Missile Crisis?

John F. Kennedy was the President of the United States during the Cuban Missile Crisis, which occurred in October 1962. This pivotal moment in the Cold War was characterized by the discovery of Soviet nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles from the U.S. coast. Kennedy's administration faced the challenge of responding to this aggressive action without escalating tensions into nuclear war. His leadership during the crisis included implementing a naval blockade around Cuba and engaging in intense diplomatic negotiations with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev. Ultimately, Kennedy's decisions during this period are often cited as a critical example of effective crisis management, contributing to the eventual de-escalation of the situation and the agreement for the removal of the missiles in exchange for U.S. assurances not to invade Cuba and the removal of U.S. missiles from Turkey. This historical event solidified Kennedy's reputation as a resolute leader during a moment of extreme international tension.