Final answer:
Soviet parades during the Cold War were integral to their propaganda efforts showcasing their ideological strength, in contrast to the US, which promoted capitalism and democracy differently.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason the Soviets had parades while the US generally did not is deeply rooted in the use of propaganda during the Cold War era. The Soviet Union saw these parades as opportunities to showcase the strength and unity of the communist system and to project an image of superiority over capitalist nations.
In the United States, the focus of propaganda was different, centering more on the promotion of capitalism and democracy through media and cultural exchanges, rather than large military parades.
The Soviet parades were also a tool for internal control, instilling a sense of national pride and allegiance to the party. These grand displays could stir genuine patriotism or be a result of the population's fear of the consequences of not showing support.