What was a key outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis?

A key outcome of the Cuban Missile Crisis was indeed the establishment of a direct communication line between the United States and the Soviet Union, known as the "hotline." This was a crucial measure implemented to prevent future misunderstandings and to allow for immediate communication between the two superpowers in the event of a potential nuclear threat. The hotline was aimed at reducing the chances of escalation into conflict and ensuring that leaders could communicate swiftly during a crisis.

While tensions between the US and the Soviet Union certainly persisted after the crisis, the close call during the Cuban Missile Crisis made both sides realize the importance of effective communication to avoid nuclear confrontation. The crisis ultimately emphasized the need for diplomacy and direct interaction in order to manage Cold War tensions more effectively. The establishment of this communication link was a profound step towards ensuring some level of stability during an era characterized by fear of nuclear war.

The other choices reflect outcomes that were influenced by the crisis but do not directly tie to the immediate aftermath; for example, there was an increase in tensions and the Cold War continued for years afterward.