Cold War

Cold War

Like in every other major global conflict and event, the Cold War was ideally a result of the ideological differences between the Soviet Union and the United States at the time. Power and control were the main issues of contention as each nation pushed to have influence over the emerging and decolonized nations. New nations were aligning with the Soviets or the United States on the basis of political alliances and ideological fronts. American leaders thought of the Cold War as a turning point for many countries, including its own foreign policy as well as political ideology. The effect was a direct influence on the domestic economy, leadership, the presidency, and the personal lives of every America. Leaders created an environment of expected normalcy and conformity regarding foreign policy directions and political standpoints. For example, speaking against the activities of the American government activities abroad was akin to treason, and would most likely be interpreted as sympathizing with communism ideology.

The Cold War not only had significant influence on the foreign policy of the United States, but also a notable impact on domestic affairs. Stronger and more conspicuous efforts were made in the 1950s to root out ideological standpoints that resembled communism in the United States. The period saw an increase in anti-communist hysteria, creating a culture of hatred for Soviet ideology. The period also established presence of an eternal enemy for the Americans, prompting politicians and leaders to capitalize on the new ideology as a way of consolidating power and control. Film and literature found a lot of material spreading the idea of dystopia, espionage, and nuclear war. Mainstream media at the time increasingly focused on the Soviet Union and the communist agenda that as presented as a threat to American life. a paranoid culture of living in fear of communism and its agenda was firmly established within the United States.