The Kitchen Debate: July 24
In the summer of 1959, the U.S. secretly installed nuclear missiles in Turkey, close to Russian soil. In return, the U.S.S.R. attempted to install missiles in Cuba. On July 24, President Nixon was accompanied by Soviet leader, Khrushchev on a tour at the official opening American National Exhibition. As Nixon showed Khrushchev around the exhibit, the two leaders spontaneously got into an argument and debate about Communism and Capitalism. Nixon commented that the exhibit displayed a type of kitchen that the typical working-class American could afford. Khrushchev responded saying that Soviet houses are just as affordable, but also better quality. Their argument quickly escalated and the two leaders warned each other that if any of the countries started nuclear war, both would end up destroyed. They concluded the argument with Khrushchev stating that all he wants is peace with all countries, including America and Nixon admitting that he was a bad host.