During which conflict did the United States adopt policies to contain communism?

The United States adopted policies to contain communism primarily during the Cold War, a prolonged geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, along with their respective allies. This period, which began after World War II and lasted until the early 1990s, was marked by significant ideological differences, with the U.S. promoting capitalism and democracy while the Soviet Union supported communism.

The core strategy of containment was articulated in the late 1940s and aimed to prevent the spread of communism beyond its existing borders. This led to various U.S. foreign policy initiatives, including the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe economically, the formation of NATO, and military engagements in conflicts like Korea and Vietnam. Although the Korean War is a significant event in the context of containment, it was part of the broader strategy that characterized the entire Cold War era.

Understanding the context of the other conflicts helps clarify why they do not fit as appropriately: the Gulf War primarily focused on regional issues in the Middle East without a direct emphasis on communism, and the Spanish-American War occurred well before the rise of communist ideologies as a global concern. Thus, the correct answer is firmly rooted in the broader historical context of the Cold War and the United States' efforts to counter