Final answer:
The United States imposed a naval blockade to stop the Soviet ships. Option 1 is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In response to the looming threat of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the United States strategically implemented a naval blockade to halt the advance of Soviet ships. This decisive move, commonly termed a "quarantine," was a pivotal component of the U.S. strategy to curtail the delivery of additional missiles to Cuba by Soviet vessels. The imposition of a naval blockade aimed to create a defensive perimeter, thwarting the movement of Soviet ships and averting the potential escalation of hostilities in the Cold War era.
The naval blockade, a carefully orchestrated display of military force, was a calculated alternative to direct military confrontation. By interdicting maritime traffic to Cuba, the United States sought to address the imminent threat posed by the presence of Soviet missiles on the island, strategically positioned within striking distance of American soil. This strategic maneuver played a crucial role in shaping the course of the crisis, contributing to diplomatic efforts to find a resolution and avoid the outbreak of a full-scale conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. Ultimately, the naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis exemplified a nuanced approach to crisis management, leveraging military strength while actively pursuing diplomatic channels to navigate the delicate balance of Cold War tensions.