Essay On The Effects Of The Cold War On American Life

The Cold War’s Effect on American Life

During World War II, the United States and the Soviet Union were part of the Allied Powers and worked together to defeat the Axis Powers. After the war, however, conflict arose between the two countries due to social disagreement and became known as the Cold War. This war is remembered as a war without direct battles. Because of this, one is likely to think that it did not have many lasting effects; nevertheless, it played an important role in shaping the world’s political stability, affecting many people, such as citizens of the United States. The Cold War not only benefited American citizens by improving the economy and political policies but also affected them by creating the Anticommunist Crusade,

The economy was boosted in growth by new military investments and spending. These financial changes also aided “scientific research that not only perfected weaponry but also led to improved aircraft, computers, medicines, and other products with a large impact on civilian life” (928). Much of this research was conducted in universities, funding them and allowing better education for American citizens. These improvements in technology, medicine, and education also benefited the economy, ultimately producing better lives for Americans (928). Another way that the Cold War had a positive impact was through the change in some political policies. “The Cold War reshaped [the] immigration policy, with refugees from communism being allowed to enter the United States regardless of national-origin quotas” (929). Another change regarding political policies included the eradication of segregation. “International embarrassment caused by American racial policies” led to its end (929). These two policy changes had positive impacts on American citizens, specifically minorities. Therefore, the Cold War benefited Americans because of financial and legislative changes

Because freedom was so important, and communism was so hated, in the United States during this time, many citizens struggled with being accused of disloyalty. “Accusations of communist activity were often framed as assertions that an individual had betrayed or abandoned his or her American identity” (929). This was often seen in minority groups. Due to the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952, citizenship could be taken away from immigrants if they were suspected of communist activity (930). In addition, hearings to expose communist celebrities and public legal cases for accused communist government officials occurred (932). Due to these factors, by 1950, American citizens were filled with fear of being accused of disloyalty. “One commentator described Washington, D.C., as a city rife with ‘spying, suspicion, [and] defamation by rumor’” (934). The nation became so distrustful that, in some areas, people with certain professions had to take loyalty oaths. The rights of those accused of communism were taken away; for example, they were not allowed to fish or to have a driver’s license. Due to the consequences of being accused, American citizens became extremely paranoid. Because of the Anticommunist Crusade, Americans were afflicted with distrust, essentially hurting the nation