Question

What was one reason the United States sought to build up its hard power at the beginning of the Cold War?

Answer 1

The U.S wanted to ensure that it could stop Soviet aggression, to protect itself and its NATO allies.

Answer 2

The United States of America sought to build up its hard power during the Cold War in order to protect itself and its allies from Soviet forces.

The Cold War was an ideological unarmed conflict between the Capitalist United States and the Socialist Soviet Union. During this period the war was not on the battlefield but rather and ideological war of propaganda, technological and warfare advancements and constant tension between the nations.