What was the primary consequence of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

The primary consequence of the Cuban Missile Crisis was that it brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. This 13-day confrontation in October 1962 between the United States and the Soviet Union centered around the placement of nuclear missiles in Cuba. The heightened tension and the military readiness displayed by both sides highlighted the severe threat of nuclear conflict during the Cold War era.

The resolution of this crisis also led to significant diplomatic shifts, including the establishment of a direct communication line between Washington and Moscow, known as the "Hotline," to prevent future misunderstandings that could lead to war. While the incident did not result in the radical changes described in other options, it undeniably illustrated the perils of the Cold War standoff, demonstrating how close the world came to a nuclear incident.