Why was the Cold War between the worlds two superpowers a tense time for all Americans?

Answer 1

The Cold War was a tense time for all Americans due to the pervasive fear of nuclear annihilation, as the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in an arms race that included the stockpiling of nuclear weapons. Additionally, the ideological battle between capitalism and communism heightened anxieties about espionage, subversion, and potential conflicts, leading to widespread paranoia exemplified by McCarthyism. The threat of proxy wars and the possibility of direct military confrontation further contributed to a climate of uncertainty and fear in everyday life. This atmosphere affected domestic policies, civil rights movements, and societal attitudes, making it a significant period of anxiety for many Americans.