Final answer:
The role of the Cold War in the United States becoming involved in the Vietnam War was to raise officials' alarm about the global spread of communism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement that describes the role of the Cold War in the United States becoming involved in the Vietnam War is option C. It raised officials' alarm about the global spread of communism.
The Cold War was a period of tension and hostility between the United States and the Soviet Union, primarily characterized by ideological differences and competition for global influence. The United States saw communism as a threat to its democratic values and sought to prevent its spread.
As a result, American officials became increasingly concerned about the global expansion of communism. They feared that if Vietnam fell under communist control, it could lead to a domino effect in Southeast Asia, with other countries following suit. This perception of the global spread of communism was a significant factor in the United States' decision to involve itself in the Vietnam War.
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