The United States attempted to meet the expanding challenges for global interdependencies in an ever-shrinking world of instant communication, limited natural resources, and expanded populations. With the fall of communism in Europe the nation continued to face foreign policy decisions of a major world power. At home, modern America faced new patterns of immigration and demographic settlements, which resulted in new social, political and economic issues as it entered the 21st century.
The origins of the Cold War have been a subject debated by historians. Most historians agree that both the United States and the Soviet Union were responsible for the atmosphere of hostility and suspicion that existed shortly after the peace. The Cold War also had a significant effect on domestic affairs. Anxieties provoked by fears of communist aggression and domestic subversion led to McCarthyism with witch hunts undermining civil liberties.
The Cold War changed the United States. It abandoned its historic political isolation from world events and became a participant in a global struggle to contain the Soviet Union and stop communism. The nation built a massive military establishment, signed defense pacts, intervened in affairs of other countries and launched a nuclear arms race. The policy of “containment” led to a struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. As a result of this struggle Americans went to war in both Korea and Vietnam hoping to contain communism and defend freedom.
The Cold War affected every presidential election and administration from 1948 to 1992. The destruction of the Berlin Wall and reunification of Germany were among the events between 1986 and 1991 that transformed the world. The Cold War, which had been a fact of life since World War II, came to an end. Its demise led to changes in American politics and economics.
By the 1960s growing discontent was evident among many groups in American society. Concern with American involvement in Vietnam, oppression of rights for African Americans, women and minorities, increasing signs of poverty and other frustrations with American life erupted in a demand for change. These groups who had been left out of mainstream America fought for their rights and better opportunities. In response to these demands the Great Society legislation promoted health, education voting rights, urban renewal, immigration reform, protection of the environment and a war against poverty. Despite this landmark legislation many problems were left unsolved. These challenges to traditional values and existing power relationships created a backlash among the white, working and middle classes.
American social and cultural trends of the 1970s and 1980s were a result of the demonstrations and activism of the 1960s. The United States did become more tolerant, diverse and open although there were still areas of discontent. By the late 1980s and early 1990s there was another series of social and economic changes. These changes led to a demand for moral values, spirituality and a resurgence of interest in religion. At the beginning of the 21st century Americans were uncertain whether these changes would bring a better or a safer world or a harsher, more dangerous one.
