How Did The Cold War Affect Society

The cold war was one of the most influential in the United States (US) history. It reached in to citizen’s lives more than any event, person, item, or action. Nobody was safe from its effects, not even the president. The cold war drove everything, from television (TV) to Agriculture and civil disturbances occurred throughout the US, some in part due to Mutually Assured Destruction, a product of the cold war and the anger and panic it sown. In the years before the cold war, the US government had to sell the idea that the Soviet Union (U.S.S.R) fought for freedom and democracy for all. However, in 1947, the U.S.S.R blockade Berlin, leaving many to starve to death. The US saw its first look in to the U.S.S.R and Communism. After
This was known as the McCarthy age and it has hit the US and is a prime example of how the Red Scare would continue to affect everything. In 1950, McCarthy gave a speech in Virginia, to which he started to accuse members of the government of being spies and sympathizers. In turn, his actions caused tension at home and abroad to build up even more. Even worse, some looked on the situation to make money and lots of it.2. Movies like Catch-22, M.A.S.H, and Red Dawn fed of this. Even the music industry was involved. Many studios refused to take on artist that did not attack communism. In addition, to add to all of this, they added to the already brutal image of communism, only fueled the stereotypes and forced the government in to corner . They knew that much of what was portrayed were outright lies. Nevertheless, greed and the possibility of not being reelected was a motivator for them to go along for the ride. This was evident throughout the 50’s and 60’s. When McCarthy began his seemingly endless attack on communism, he was cheered one by the Republican Party, which at that time, had control of congress and the senate. He attacked everyone, from movie stars and
Unfortunately, the Western world loses interest as a unprecedented threat reveals it’s self: they can’t drive for 90 minutes to get to their jobs because they don’t have any gas. Oil producers (Seed 1999) launch an embargo on much of the western world due to the support given to Israel in 1973. This, along with other events will push Nixon out of office. In September, the Chilean Government is overthrown by a US lead coup. In addition, in the Middle East, Israel is attacked by Egypt and Syria. In 1974, after many scandals, invasion and complete disregard or the law and the citizens of the US, Richard Nixon resigns. Jimmy Carter takes the office. During Carters term, for the first time, the US establishes diplomatic relations with communist China. In addition, to help relive world tensions SALT 2 is signed. However, his achievements are cast aside as war erupts in the Middle East. Because in 1979, the Shah of Iran is overthrown and the Iranian Hostage Crisis begins. On December 31, the U.S.S.R invades Afghanistan. Americans suddenly recall the last time things got violent in the Middle East and they were not happy about this development. These events would put Carter down in history as one of the worst presidents in history. Fast-forward 4 years and in 1983,