Directions For Essays Should Be Double Spaced, Size 12 Font

Directions Essays Should Be Doubled Spaced Size 12 Font With Oneinc

Essays should be doubled spaced, size 12 font, with one inch margins all around. Essays must be a minimum of 1 page and should be a maximum of 3 pages. All references from the textbook must be cited parenthetically (Shi, pg). All references to primary source videos must be cited parenthetically with an abbreviated title (Regan, Jokes). You may NOT use any outside sources including open source websites. No bibliography is needed for your essays. The required heading is only your name and a page number in the top right hand corner of each page.

Paper For Above instruction

The Cold War era, spanning from the late 1940s to the early 1990s, was a period of intense ideological rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. Despite not engaging in direct military conflict, this rivalry profoundly impacted American society, culture, politics, and economics. Primary sources such as videos of speeches, interviews, news stories, and cultural materials from this period vividly illustrate how Cold War tensions permeated everyday life and shaped national identity. This essay explores the influence of Cold War tensions on ordinary Americans using these media.

Immediately after World War II, Americans faced a climate of fear and suspicion, fueled by the threat of nuclear war and internal subversion. The famous speech by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953 emphasized the importance of vigilance against the Soviet threat, which was echoed in news stories warning of espionage and communist infiltration (Regan, Jokes). Movies and television programs of the 1950s, such as "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," reflected societal fears of Communist conspiracy and loss of individuality, reinforcing suspicion of neighbors and colleagues (Shi, pg). The cultural paranoia was also manifest in government actions like McCarthyism, which led to widespread fear of “reds” within American borders.

During the 1960s, the Cold War induced a mixture of patriotism and apprehension, especially during events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis. Video testimonies of political leaders and news coverage reveal how Americans were brought to the brink of nuclear conflict but also how unity was fostered through shared fears and collective resilience (Regan, Jokes). The space race and technological advancements became symbols of American ingenuity and dominance, reinforcing national pride despite underlying tensions (Shi, pg). Concurrently, the civil rights movement challenged the nation to reconcile its democratic ideals with racial inequalities, highlighting internal conflicts amid the external Cold War dynamics.

The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a shift in cultural expressions of Cold War anxieties. Songs like "Russians" by Sting and Cold War-themed movie trailers depict a society increasingly aware of the ongoing threat of nuclear annihilation, yet also seeking peace and stability (Shi, pg). The "Miracle on Ice" during the 1980 Winter Olympics showcased how sports could be infused with Cold War rhetoric—victory was not just athletic but ideological. Politically, the Reagan administration’s aggressive anti-Soviet stance and policies such as arms buildup reinforced fears of escalation, yet the period also saw détente efforts that aimed to ease tensions (Regan, Jokes).

By the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s, the internal and external impacts of decades of tension had reshaped American society profoundly. The fear of communism gave way to a new worldview influenced by technological innovation, with media portraying themes of freedom versus oppression, peace versus conflict (Shi, pg). As primary sources depict, the Cold War era left an indelible mark on American collective memory, shaping perspectives on security, patriotism, and international relations even today.

References

• Shi, David E. (Year). Title of the Textbook. Publisher.
• Regan, Jokes. (Year). Title or description of the video or primary source.