To determine the best-supported statement regarding the impact of the Cold War on racial tensions within the U.S., it would be essential to consider various factors such as government policies, civil rights movements, and the societal climate during that period. Here are a couple of points that could be helpful in this analysis:
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Civil Rights Movement Catalyst: The Cold War significantly highlighted the contradictions between American democratic ideals and the reality of racial segregation and discrimination. This tension catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement, as activists used the international focus on America’s role in the Cold War to argue for equal rights and justice.
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International Image: The U.S. government became increasingly aware that racial discrimination could undermine its image as a leader of the free world. Consequently, efforts were made to address civil rights issues to present a more favorable image abroad.
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Legislation and Policy Changes: Legislative changes, such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, were influenced by the need to combat racism, spurred by awareness of the global implications of racial tensions during the Cold War.
Given this context, a statement that may be well-supported by evidence could be: "The Cold War intensified the Civil Rights Movement by highlighting the United States' need to present a strong moral stance against communism, which in turn prompted federal action to address racial injustices."
If you have specific options to choose from, please provide them, and I can help identify which one aligns best with the evidence regarding the Cold War's impact on racial tensions in the U.S.