Nikita Khrushchev was a Soviet politician who led the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964. He is best known for his role during the Cold War, particularly for his efforts to de-Stalinize the country and promote peaceful coexistence with the West. Khrushchev's leadership included significant agricultural reforms and the launch of the Soviet space program, which led to the first human in space, Yuri Gagarin. Khrushchev's tenure was marked by notable events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. His policies and decisions often sparked controversy, leading to his eventual removal from power in 1964. Despite his ousting, Khrushchev's impact on Soviet politics and international relations remains significant.