American History

Cold war was the period that was characterized by conflict between the democracies led by the United States against the communist states led by the Soviet Union. The war was characterized with political propaganda, military crashes, economic rivalry and diplomatic bargaining. The war was fought any where, in the space and in the neutral states in Africa and Asia. The war has had far reaching economic, social and political effects on different societies of the world.  

The reelection of President Harry Truman in 1948 was greatly influenced by the events of the cold war. It is believed by the historians that the cold war between the United States and the Soviet Union started in 1947 when President Harry Truman declared his anti socialism policy. President Truman had experience in warfare having served in the military. He had also led the Americans to victory against the Japanese and the Germans in the just ended Second World War. Initially, public opinion indicated very few chances of Truman winning the presidential elections. However, the increased tension among the Americans over a possible war between the two world supper powers influenced the voters in favor of Truman. His come back is attributed to the fear that inexperienced president was likely to mislead Americans in case of war with the Soviet Union.

Another effect of the cold war was the rise of McCarthyism in the 1950s. McCarthyism was a response of the prevalent anticommunism policies by the United States. The accusations against sympathizers of communist were led by Senator McCarthy and targeted the states officials and the entertainment industry. McCarthyism activities were carried out through the House of Un-American Activities Committee. The HUAC required all the suspected communist sympathizers to testify before the committee by naming their allies failure to which they were sent to jail.