Nikita Khrushchev
The Soviet's power and influence had recently been declining, and Khrushchev wanted a way gain back the power lost. For this reason, Khrushchev decided to take a gamble with Cuba, a gamble which would eventually be lost. Cuba had recently become an ally of the Soviets, but were under constant attack from the United States. By protecting Cuba with Soviet missiles, the Soviet Union would gain back power as a result of the proximity the missiles to the United States, and the Cubans would be able to defend themselves from an American attack. However, there was a flaw in Khrushchev's plan. The United States discovered the missiles before they were able and ready to be launched. In turn, a dramatic confrontation between the two superpowers succeeded.
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For more information on the life on Nikita Khrushchev, click here.
Here is a video of an interview with Nikita Khrushchev on CBS's Face the Nation