The statement 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 conclusion is supported by historical evidence showing that U.S. leaders recognized that racial discrimination and segregation undermined the nation's credibility in its fight against communism, particularly in the context of competing ideologies during the Cold War. They feared that racial injustices could be exploited by communist countries in their propaganda against the United States and could also harm U.S. diplomatic relations abroad. Consequently, civil rights reform became increasingly linked to broader Cold War objectives, prompting some policymakers to take action in support of civil rights initiatives.