The Soviets willingly responded to Castro's request for economic aid, but at a price. The United States had deployed nuclear missiles in Turkey not far from its border with the Soviet Union, and the Soviets now suggested to Castro that they be allowed to deploy similar missiles in Cuba. Castro agreed. When the United States found out about the missiles, it blockaded the island and forced a showdown with the Soviets that almost resulted in World War III. Fortunately, nuclear Armageddon was avoided when both sides agreed to remove their missiles.

As part of the agreement the United States promised (although it never publicly acknowledged the promise) to respect the legitimacy of Castro's regime and refrain from further invasions of the island. Once again Castro had won an impressive victory against the United States, and his stature among Cubans approached that...