Which ideology was the U.S. primarily opposing during the Cold War?

During the Cold War, the primary ideology that the United States opposed was communism. This opposition stemmed from the fundamental differences in governance and economic philosophy between the capitalist democratic ideals of the U.S. and the authoritarian, state-controlled nature of communist regimes, particularly those led by the Soviet Union. The U.S. viewed communism as a threat to individual freedoms, democratic governance, and free-market capitalism, which became central to American foreign policy during this period.

The conflict was characterized by a struggle for influence worldwide, leading to various proxy wars, diplomatic confrontations, and a nuclear arms race. The U.S. sought to contain the spread of communism through various means, including military interventions, economic aid to anti-communist governments, and efforts to promote democracy and capitalism in regions vulnerable to communist influence. This ideological battle defined international relations for decades and shaped the geopolitical landscape throughout the 20th century.