Introduction
Three crucial factors—the fall of the Soviet Union, the “American Century’s” global influence, and the effects of domestic policies and social upheavals during this turbulent time—prove that the United States won the Cold War. This essay seeks to show that the United States emerged victorious in the Cold War by looking at these critical issues. Overall, the United States’ victory in the Cold War can be attributed to the fall of the Soviet Union, the broad effects of the “American Century,” the development of domestic policy, and societal change.
Fall of the Soviet Union
A convincing sign of America’s victory in the Cold War is the collapse of the Soviet Union. Germany was reunited in 1990 following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the Soviet Union was formally disbanded in 1991 (The American Yawp, n.d.). Due to the Soviet Union’s outspending by the United States on defense, they were forced to engage in an unsustainable arms race to maintain military parity (Rapp-Hooper, 2020). As a result, the Cold War-era bipolar international order ended, with the United States being the only superpower. The argument that the United States won the Cold War and became a dominating force on the international scene is supported by this enormous shift in world power dynamics.
American Century
The “American Century’s” broad scope also adds to evidence supporting America’s triumph in the Cold War. By encouraging democracy, capitalism, and the growth of international institutions after World War II, the United States played a significant role in establishing the postwar world order (The American Yawp, n.d.). Throughout the Cold War, American politics, culture, and military might spread worldwide, eventually developing a new international order under American leadership (Weiss, 2019). The United States’ success in this lengthy struggle and its capacity to affect world politics are highlighted by this global influence.
Domestic Policy
Finally, the idea that the United States prevailed in the Cold War is further supported by the resilience of American society, which was bolstered by domestic policies and social transformations during the conflict. Despite the difficulties brought on by McCarthyism and the Red Scare, the United States made great strides in feminism, civil rights, and other social movements (The American Yawp, n.d.).
For instance, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s resulted in the desegregation of public places, workplaces, and schools. The success of these movements became evident with the enactment of significant laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These social innovations made it significantly easier for America to remain the world’s preeminent power, cementing its Cold War victory. The United States’ capacity to adapt and change at this time exemplifies the country’s tenacity and perseverance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fall of the Soviet Union, the wide-ranging impact of the “American Century,” the development of domestic policies, and social changes can be credited with the United States’ victory in the Cold War. It becomes clear that the United States won the Cold War by looking at these three critical aspects. The country’s resilience and drive to achieve are demonstrated by its capacity to overcome challenges, express its worldwide influence, and promote beneficial social change.
References
The American Yawp. 25. The Cold War. (n.d.). Web.
Rapp-Hooper, M. (2020). Saving America’s alliances: The United States still needs the system that put it on top. Foreign Affairs, 99, 1-25.
Weiss, J. C. (2019). A world safe for autocracy?. Foreign Affairs, 98(4), 92-108.