The Cold War affected domestic policy two ways: socially and economically. Socially, the intensive indoctrination of the American people led to a regression of social reforms. Economically, enormous growth spurred by industries related to war was aided by heavy government expansion. What methods did the United States use to extend and maintain its influence during the Cold War? -The United States funded the World Bank and the IMF to foster capitalist economies and win friends in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The feuding began after World War II, mostly regarding political and economic power. After the destruction that World War II caused, the United States and the Soviet Union were left standing. Gaining control of countries was sought after, even if the countries weren't benefiting them in any way. Overview. In 1947, President Harry S. Truman pledged that the United States would help any nation resist communism in order to prevent its spread. His policy of containment is known as the Truman Doctrine. The Cold War affected America by leading to the rise in McCarthyism and the persecution of innocent Americans, changing pop culture to be dominated by fear and communism, and led to the execution of the containment policy that would stretch thin relations with opposing nations.