Why did the Cold War come to dominate American foreign and domestic policies from 1945 to 1991?
Be sure to explain the origins of the Cold War, specifically, why American Soviet relations deteriorated in the immediate aftermath of World War II.
You will also need to explain some of the major flash points and extended conflicts that developed over the period, such as the Berlin Crisis that led to the Airlift; the creation of the Berlin Wall; the Korean Conflict; U.S. and Soviet involvement in
Vietnam, and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Finally, explain how the Cold War affected Americans at home, both politically
and socially, as anti-communism, foreign wars, military conscription (the Draft) and civil
rights issues divided the country

Question

lowkey · Answer

@isry @Hero 
Any advancements for this essay will be very much appreciated

XioGonz · Answer

What is it that you already know concerning this topic?

jimthompson5910 · Answer

Despite your teacher wanting you to focus on 1945-1991, I think it helps to go back before 1945 because events don't simply materialize out of nowhere. Things in history take time to build. The First Red Scare https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Red_Scare is a possible point to look back at to see how and why communism got into the national spotlight. It's fairly likely there are moments before this period that also contributed to this national fear.

Isry · Answer

I'd also look into McCarthyism as a way to look at how American life from film, to music, were dominated by thoughts of communism. There's a youtube video called "Duck and Cover" about what to do if the atomic bomb goes off, while it is humorous (because they suggest hiding under things like blankets to protect yourself from the bomb) It is a good insight as to how routine it was to be terrified of being nuked was back in the 50's and 60's.