The response that is best supported by evidence when analyzing 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 reflects how the U.S. government recognized that racial issues could undermine its image abroad during the Cold War, particularly in the context of competing with the Soviet Union, which criticized the U.S. for its racial injustices. As the civil rights movement gained momentum, policymakers began to see the value in addressing these issues to improve the country’s global reputation and strengthen its ideological stance against communism.