Which significant challenge did John F. Kennedy face during his presidency?

One of the most significant challenges that John F. Kennedy faced during his presidency was the Cuban Missile Crisis, which occurred in October 1962. This was a critical moment during the Cold War when the United States discovered that the Soviet Union had installed nuclear missiles in Cuba, just 90 miles off the coast of Florida. The situation was extremely tense, with the potential for nuclear conflict looming over both nations and, by extension, the world.

Kennedy's handling of this crisis is often seen as a defining moment of his presidency. He opted for a naval blockade to prevent further shipments of missiles to Cuba rather than opting for military action, which could have led to a broader war. This decision showcased his commitment to avoiding unnecessary escalation while still taking a strong stand against Soviet aggression. Ultimately, the crisis was resolved when the Soviet Union agreed to dismantle the missile sites in exchange for a U.S. promise not to invade Cuba and the secret removal of U.S. missiles from Turkey.

The other options, such as the Watergate Scandal, the Great Depression, and Vietnam War escalation, pertain to different historical contexts or other presidential administrations. The Watergate Scandal unfolded under Richard Nixon, the Great Depression affected the nation primarily during Franklin D. Roosevelt