The Relationship Between the Cold War at Home and Abroad That Examines the Tension Between the Rhetoric of Foreign and Domestic Threats to Liberty

Ruperto Jovani Alejandro

Dr. Miller

US History since 1865

Fall 10

39095

Take-Home Final

Question1: Write an essay about the relationship between the Cold War at home and abroad that examines the tension between the rhetoric of foreign and domestic threats to liberty.

Following World War II, the imbalance between the political and economic environment in the world arising from the inflexible nature of capitalist and communist laws was at an all-time high. The conflict between America and the Communist Nations was seen in many aspects not limited to clashes between the military. They include struggles in propaganda, economic activities and processes among other failing diplomatic efforts. The adoption of an anti-communist policy by the United States following the war arose from the existing differences in ideologies among the nations. The systems of government varied from the fact that American political opinions of the people in the country could be voiced relatively easily. The same was seen in the right of people to assemble, speak freely as well as exercise freedom of media. The Soviet Union on the other hand, was limited in the number of political parties that could be formed. The people could not enjoy the same rights of speech and assembly as well as press freedom. This means that during the dialogue process between America and Soviet Union, very little compromise was possible given the distinct differences in their systems.

These tensions were not only seen in their ideologies, but also the economies of the nations were affected. This was attributed to the fact that in America promoted free trade and the Soviet Union shielded its borders from commercial activities of the international environment. The Soviet Union, according to Kennan, feared capitalist influence from the west and as a result caused it to compromise its own integrity and ultimately the strength of the totalitarian regime governing the nation.

Following the effects of the World War II, there was a struggle between nations as powers largely became shared among the dominant nations. This only intensified the already unsound relationship between the two countries. United States foreign concerns in the Cold War in America developed from the fact that Russia had a great influence on some European countries and was attempting to expand southward. “As the Communist grasped power, they often used violence and terror to achieve their ends” (Narrative History). American concerns only increased as some feared “desperate, war-weary” people of the defeated nations would find the appeal of communism irresistible.

The initial reaction of the United States towards the increased influence of communism in Europe and the Persian Gulf region was