alternatehistory.com

On 27 October 1962, Soviet Sub B-59 detected depth charges nearby. These were non-lethal types intended to force Soviet subs to the surface but not to sink them. However, Sub B-59 believed they were real depth charges.

The captain, Valentin Savitsky, decided that a war might already have started and wanted to launch a nuclear torpedo. The political officer Semonovich Maslennikov agreed.

Second officer Vasili Arkhipov was the remaining required vote. Three unanimous votes and they fire a nuclear torpedo. Arkhipov votes no and persuaded Savitsky to surface and await orders from Moscow.

What if Arkhipov voted to launch the nuclear torpedo at US forces instead?

Would we be here today?

Would there be some major escalation but both sides quickly climbing down?

Or best case, diplomacy prevents much escalation at all?
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