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

The main concern of the United States during the Cold War was communism. This period, which lasted roughly from the end of World War II until the early 1990s, was characterized by a geopolitical struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, along with their respective allies. The U.S. viewed communism as a significant threat to democratic ideals and capitalism, which it sought to promote and protect globally.

The fear of communism drove U.S. foreign and domestic policies, leading to actions such as the policy of containment, which aimed to prevent the spread of communism to new countries. This fear manifested in various significant events and policies, including the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and involvement in conflicts such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Overall, the concern over communism defined U.S. strategy and responses during the Cold War, influencing international relations and leading to extensive military and economic commitments abroad.