In 1-3 paragraphs, compare and contrast the actions of the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Make sure to include citations for your research.
During the Cold War, both the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in various actions to assert their dominance and influence over other countries. The U.S. pursued a policy of containment, seeking to prevent the spread of communism by supporting anti-communist regimes and governments around the world. This included providing military and financial aid to countries in Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe to help them resist Soviet influence.
On the other hand, the Soviet Union sought to expand its influence by supporting communist movements and governments in other countries. This included providing military and financial aid to communist governments in countries such as North Vietnam, Cuba, and Afghanistan. The Soviet Union also sought to establish military bases in key strategic locations around the world, such as Cuba and Eastern Europe, to project power and deter U.S. influence.
Overall, both the U.S. and the Soviet Union engaged in covert and overt actions to advance their interests and influence during the Cold War. While the U.S. primarily focused on containing communism and supporting anti-communist regimes, the Soviet Union sought to expand its influence by supporting communist movements and governments around the world. Both countries utilized military, economic, and diplomatic means to further their respective agendas and maintain their positions as superpowers on the global stage. (Source: History.com, "Cold War History")