How did hostilities increase between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1950s?

1 Answer
Mar 5, 2017

This was reflected in the heightening of the Cold War.

Explanation:

During the 1950's the Cold War between the superpowers was at its height. It was only after the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 that moves were made towards detente.

These hostilities were reflected in a number of ways during this decade. There was an Arms Race where huge numbers of nuclear missiles were stockpiled by both sides. This was to prevent one side gaining a perceived advantage which would lead to an initial nuclear strike in the belief that this could knock out the enemy before they could retaliate.

There was almost a hysterical culture in the USA with the McCarthy witch hunts and fear of imminent nuclear attacks.

In Europe the formation of NATO in 1948 added to the tensions. The Soviets responded with the Warsaw Pact in 1955. They were particularly concerned with the re-armament of West Germany and the creation of Austria.

Soviet aggression in Eastern Europe, particularly the brutal suppression of the uprising in Hungary in 1956 confirmed in Western eyes the aggressive intention of the Soviets.

Much of the hostilities were conducted indirectly in conflicts such as Korea and the growing crisis in South East Asia which saw the escalation of US involvement in the 1960's.