Which of the following is best supported by evidence as you analyze the impact of the Cold War on racial tensions within the U.S.?(1 point)

Responses

U.S. leaders were hesitant to openly support civil rights initiatives for fear of being labeled as “soft” on communism.
U.S. leaders were hesitant to openly support civil rights initiatives for fear of being labeled as “soft” on communism.

Most civil rights leaders focused on race as a domestic issue and paid little attention to the international impact of racial discrimination.
Most civil rights leaders focused on race as a domestic issue and paid little attention to the international impact of racial discrimination.

Over time, U.S. policy makers became aware that the U.S. needed to address issues such as racial segregation and discrimination as part of its larger Cold War strategy.
Over time, U.S. policy makers became aware that the U.S. needed to address issues such as racial segregation and discrimination as part of its larger Cold War strategy.

U.S. leaders focused on the Cold War and national security concerns to such an extent that they paid relatively little attention to the civil rights movement.

1 answer

The response that is best supported by evidence regarding the impact of the Cold War on racial tensions within the U.S. is:

Over time, U.S. policy makers became aware that the U.S. needed to address issues such as racial segregation and discrimination as part of its larger Cold War strategy.

This statement is backed by historical evidence showing that during the Cold War, U.S. leaders recognized that racial discrimination and segregation undermined America's position in the global arena, particularly in the context of promoting democracy and opposing communism. Notable events, such as the Civil Rights Movement, prompted U.S. leaders to take more definitive actions regarding civil rights as a means of improving the country's image abroad and maintaining legitimacy in the fight against the Soviet Union’s ideological claims.