Final answer:
The Cold War influenced U.S. domestic politics and society through the onset of McCarthyism and anti-Communist sentiment, leading to heightened suspicion and oppression of dissident groups, including civil rights activists. It also led to the federal government's efforts to desegregate to boost its global image, while the development of nuclear arsenals shifted military strategies. These factors together set the stage for significant social changes, including the advancement of the civil rights movement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of the Cold War on Domestic Political and Social Changes in the U.S.
The Cold War significantly influenced domestic political and social changes within the United States. The fear of Communism and the Soviet Union led to a domestic political environment characterized by suspicion and the ostracization of dissident groups.
This led to the infamous era of McCarthyism, where many individuals, including civil rights leaders, were wrongfully accused of disloyalty. The federal government was motivated to end segregation to improve the image of the U.S. on a global scale, demonstrating a commitment to democracy and human rights in the face of Communist ideologies.
Moreover, the existence of nuclear weapons changed military strategies and elevated the importance of nuclear arsenals, affecting international relations and domestic policies. Racial inequality confrontations, such as the landmark legal case Brown v. Board of Education, challenged segregation and pushed forward the civil rights movement, which had been somewhat restrained by the political climate of fear and suspicion.
Individuals' lives were also affected on a personal level by the Red Scare and the Lavender Scare, both reflecting the pervasive culture of fear during that period and directly related to anti-Communist sentiment. These events reshaped social dynamics and norms within the United States during the mid-20th century.