The Cold War was an unforgettable episode of modern history that left lasting impacts on the West, especially the American population. Life during the Cold War times faced multiple challenges and chaotic perspectives. Meanwhile, it also enabled the United States to make the canvas of public life colourful and good. Hence this post will explore the evidence from historical readings to portray a good or ideal life in that period concerning the interplay of ideologies, equal role of gender in development, improved national pride and advancement in technological fields.
The ideological clash and interplay of capitalism and communism originated fear among the general public regarding the supremacy of communism in the USA. But soon, the public representatives themselves criticized the State Department for harbouring communism in the country along with feeding the environment with suspicion. Such allegations are vivid from Senator Joseph McCarthy’s speech in Wheeling, West Virginia which he delivered in 1950. This ideological portrayal usually revolved around the main aim of securing the nation from internal threats, especially from the prevailing communism. The Cold War portrayed a good life in the sense of saving and securing the ideological notion of society (McCarthy, 1950).
Similarly, the good life aspect of the Cold War was demonstrated by the equal footing of gender in all walks of life, especially the induction and services in the armed forces. In the same context, the war era also urged the authorities to prioritize gender roles according to the needs of the time. This step took practical shape in the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, of 1948. For example, Colonel Irene O. Galloway suggested and recommended banning women in the army who had dependent children (O. Galloway, 1949). Similarly, another good life aspect was the national unity, overall development urge and desire for prosperity in future. In his address “State of the Union” in 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower elaborated on these values.
Finally, the war opened the gates of technological development and progress for the American nation. The same is vivid for “The Khrushchev-Nixon debate” of 1959 which posed the main assertion of the development of both countries. In conclusion, it can be said that historical evidence provided shears of evidence which demonstrated a good and ideal life in Cold War.
References
McCarthy, J. (2013). “Enemies from Within”: Senator Joseph R. McCarthy’s Accusations of Disloyalty.
O. Galloway, I. (1949). “A Mother’s Duty to Her Children”: No Women with Dependent Children in the Armed Forces Reserves.
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