How did the Cold War primarily influence U.S. foreign policy?

The Cold War primarily influenced U.S. foreign policy through the expansion of military intervention. This era, characterized by the ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, prompted the U.S. government to adopt a more interventionist stance globally.

In the context of the Cold War, the U.S. sought to contain the spread of communism, which was viewed as a direct threat to democratic values and capitalism. This led to a series of military interventions and engagements in various regions, such as Korea and Vietnam, as well as a military presence in Europe through NATO. The justification for these interventions often hinged on the belief that failure to act could allow for the spread of communism, resulting in a domino effect of nations falling under Soviet influence.

This focus on military involvement was intertwined with various foreign policies such as the Truman Doctrine, which committed to supporting nations resisting communism, and the establishment of military alliances that further solidified U.S. influence around the world. Overall, the Cold War solidified a foreign policy approach that prioritized military readiness and intervention as a means to achieve geopolitical goals.