The Minuteman II is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by the United States during the Cold War. It was designed to carry a nuclear warhead and had a range of approximately 6,000 miles. The missile was an upgrade from the earlier Minuteman I, featuring improved guidance systems and increased payload capacity. Introduced in the early 1960s, the Minuteman II played a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear deterrent strategy. It was deployed in underground silos, allowing for rapid launch capabilities in response to a potential threat. The missile was eventually replaced by the more advanced Minuteman III in the 1970s.