Question

Why did the spread of communism in China cause concern in the United States after World War II?
The U.S. feared communism would spread to nearby countries in Asia.
The U.S. believed communism would replace democracy in Europe
The U.S. was planning to establish communist governments in Asia.
The U.S. thought communism would improve economic equality worldwide.

Answer 1

The first choice is correct: The U.S. feared communism would spread to nearby countries in Asia.

Brief explanation: After WWII, American policymakers followed a "containment" policy (e.g., Truman Doctrine) and worried a communist victory in China (1949) might trigger communist takeovers elsewhere in Asia (the "domino theory"). The other options are incorrect — the U.S. did not expect Europe to be immediately replaced by communism because of China, nor was the U.S. planning to set up communist governments, and it did not welcome communism’s goals of economic equality.