Cuban Missile Crisis and B59 Submarine

During the Cuban Missile Crisis, a Soviet submarine, B59, was detected by the US Navy. The crew, unable to communicate with Moscow, faced a decision to launch nuclear weapons, potentially starting a global nuclear war. The decision required unanimous consent from three officers. While two agreed, the third, Vil Arapov, voted against it, preventing a nuclear catastrophe. Arapov's decision was later recognized with the Future of Life Award.

What was the Cuban Missile Crisis primarily about?

• A diplomatic meeting between world leaders

• A nuclear standoff between the US and the Soviet Union

• A trade dispute between the US and Cuba

• A territorial conflict in Europe

What did the US Navy do to the Soviet submarine B59?

• They invited it to dock at a US port

• They communicated with it via radio

• They ignored it completely

• They dropped depth charges to force it to surface

What was the potential consequence of launching nuclear weapons from the B59?

• A diplomatic resolution

• A ceasefire agreement

• A minor skirmish in the Atlantic

• A nuclear exchange powerful enough to annihilate the northern hemisphere

Why did the B59 submarine lose contact with Moscow?

• They were too deep underwater

• Their radio was damaged

• They were in a no-communication zone

• They chose to remain silent

What was the protocol for launching nuclear weapons on the B59 submarine?

• A unanimous vote from the three highest-ranking officers was required

• The submarine had no nuclear weapons

• A single officer could make the decision

• The decision was made by the crew collectively

Who was the pivotal third vote in the decision to launch nuclear weapons on the B59?

• A US Navy officer

• The ship's Captain

• The ship's political officer

• Vil Arapov, the second in command

What was the outcome of Vil Arapov's decision not to launch nuclear weapons?

• The submarine was destroyed

• The submarine surfaced and was sent back to Moscow

• The submarine engaged in a battle with the US Navy

• The submarine continued its mission undetected

How was Vil Arapov's decision viewed by the Soviet authorities at the time?

• He was promoted to a higher rank

• He was received in shame

• He was celebrated as a hero

• He was given a medal of honor

What was the feeling among some people about the B59 crew's decision to surface?

• They should have gone down with their ship

• They should have surrendered to the US

• They should have continued their mission

• They made the right decision

What award was Vil Arapov posthumously given in 2017?

• The Order of Lenin

• The Nobel Peace Prize

• The Future of Life Award

• The Medal of Honor