What was the cornerstone of U.S. policy towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War?

The cornerstone of U.S. policy towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War was containment. This strategy aimed to prevent the further spread of communism beyond where it already existed. Containment was developed in response to the belief that the Soviet Union was expanding its influence and that if left unchecked, communism would spread globally. Key figures such as diplomat George F. Kennan were instrumental in articulating this policy, which shaped American foreign policy decisions throughout the Cold War era.

Containment involved various actions, including military alliances like NATO, economic strategies, and direct conflicts, such as the Korean War and later engagements in Vietnam. It established the framework through which the U.S. engaged with the Soviet Union and other communist governments across the world, shaping not just military strategy, but also economic and ideological confrontations during this tense period in history. This focus on preventing Soviet expansion was essential in guiding U.S. responses to various events and crises throughout the decades of the Cold War.