During the Cold War, what was the primary concern of the United States?

The primary concern of the United States during the Cold War was communism. This ideological conflict emerged after World War II, as the U.S. sought to contain the spread of communism, a political and economic system characterized by state ownership of property and the absence of social classes. The U.S. viewed the Soviet Union, a communist state, as a major threat to democracy and capitalism, which are foundational elements of American society.

The Cold War was marked by various strategies aimed at containment, including military alliances like NATO, support for regimes opposed to communism, and significant involvement in conflicts around the world, such as in Korea and Vietnam. The pervasive fear of communist influence led to actions at home, including the Red Scare, which resulted in widespread suspicion and persecution of individuals alleged to have communist ties. This context highlights why communism was the central focus of U.S. policy during this period, overshadowing concerns related to other ideologies or systems such as fascism or militarism.