What are two effects that the end of the Cold War had on the United States?
A Political infighting among Republicans over the United States’ involvement divided the party.
B The drop in military spending sent the United States into a recession.
C The United States became the sole superpower in the world.
D The former Soviet Union proved to be strong economic competition for the United States.
E The United States returned to an isolationist foreign policy.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answers are C: The United States became the sole superpower in the world, and A: Political infighting among Republicans over the United States’ involvement divided the party.
Explanation:
The end of the Cold War in the late 1980s and early 1990s marked a significant turning point in global politics, particularly for the United States. One of the most profound effects was the emergence of the U.S. as the sole superpower in a unipolar world. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 effectively ended the ideological conflict that had defined global relations for nearly half a century. With the Soviet Union’s collapse, the U.S. was left without a rival, allowing it to influence global politics, economics, and culture on an unprecedented scale. This shift enabled the United States to champion democratic ideals and free-market principles worldwide, solidifying its role in international institutions like the United Nations and NATO.
However, the end of the Cold War also led to political challenges domestically. The lack of a common enemy resulted in significant political infighting, particularly among Republicans. With the Cold War narrative that had previously unified the party fading, divisions emerged over the U.S.’s future role in global affairs. Some members advocated for continued engagement in international issues, while others pushed for a more isolationist approach, reflecting broader ideological rifts. This infighting manifested in debates over military spending, foreign interventions, and national security policy, making it difficult for the party to present a unified front.
In summary, the end of the Cold War allowed the United States to assert itself as the world’s leading superpower, fundamentally reshaping global dynamics. However, it also sparked internal conflicts within the political landscape, as the absence of the Soviet threat prompted reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy and priorities.