The Man Who Saved the World
Summary
This final episode of A Twist of History recounts the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, focusing on the critical role of Soviet submarine commander Vasily Arkhipov. While the US and USSR engaged in high-level diplomacy, Arkhipov and his crew on the B-59 submarine were ordered to launch a nuclear torpedo if attacked. When American destroyers used depth charges to signal the sub, Arkhipov recognized the pattern as a communication attempt rather than an attack. By refusing to authorize the launch, he prevented a nuclear holocaust and saved the world, a heroism that remained largely unknown until afte…
Topics discussed
Sponsorship and show announcement
Introduction to the Cold War and the crisis
Kennedy discovers Soviet missiles in Cuba
EXCOMM debates the US response strategy
Kennedy's televised address and quarantine
Khrushchev's reaction and submarine orders
Life aboard the B-59 and Arkhipov's past
New orders to return fire with nuclear torpedoes
The B-59 is attacked by depth charges
The decision to launch the nuclear torpedo
Surfacing and the American explanation
Resolution of the crisis and Arkhipov's legacy
Credits and closing sponsorships
Listen ad-free on Castria