The Cold War was a time of great trauma and fear. The Cold War became a very assertive influence of the lives of many people, especially the ones that lived in the United States. People in the United States were terrified of communism, people now used propaganda to represent the cold war, and during this time there was a conflict on racial inequality inside the United States. People in the United States were terrified of communism. They hated everything about it, for it was like the paradox of the US form of government, Capitalism. They wanted to contain Communism, preventing the spread of it to anywhere else. This fear led to the Red Scare, which was the fear of the potential rise of communism. “The Red Scare led to a range of actions that had a profound and enduring effect on U.S. government and society. Federal employees were analyzed to determine whether they were sufficiently loyal to the government, and the House Un-American Activities Committee, as well as U.S. Senator Joseph R. McCarthy, investigated allegations of subversive elements in the government.” (Citation, 4) This was important because it showed how much distrust and fear can take a toll on your life. Due to this mindset the United States involved themselves in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The Korean War began in June of 1950. The US wanted to insulate South Korea, for China had now become communist and had influenced North Korea. China took over North Korea and wanted to do the same with South Korea. After many attacks, the denouement of the war was as it started, North and South Korea separated by the 38th parallel. The War in Vietnam lasted about 30 years. The US showed hope in the war, but were struck with shock when the American public started to oppose it.
Mutual Conflict between the two countries took a toll on the daily lives of the American public. Propaganda, a huge part of one country’s culture, promoted US. American Values through music, T.V., literature, and in movies. Hollywood movies were developed on the basis of Communism, where the goal of the industry was to enhance the spirit of patriotism inside of people. The War Game “depicted the effects of a nuclear war in Britain following a conventional war that escalates to nuclear war.” (Citation, 4) This showed how one tension lead to a nuclear war, the same situation that could happen between the US and the Soviet Union. Authors like Dr. Seuss portrayed events in the cold through their wars. For example, the Butter Battle book illustrated the Arms Race (weapons race between the USSR and the US.)
During the Time of the Cold War, the topic of racial inequality was much sparked. Black people had gotten their freedom from slavery in the past, but unjust laws were still placed against them. The South, especially, treated the black people as they were a second class, in terms of civilization, often discriminating and segregating them. It was not until brave citizens like Martin Luther King, took the matter of racial inequality very seriously and started a non-violent protest. Blacks could vote, but had to take the registration test which was extremely difficult. After years of blood, sweat and tears, Martin Luther King’s protest was deemed successful. The Civil Rights act was put into place. The Civil Rights Act “banned the discrimination of blacks in public and in many private accommodations.” (Citation, 3). This was important because it ensured that there would be no more discrimination amongst anyone in the United States of America. “The Cold War helped