The 1960s was a defining moment for many nations including the United States and the Soviet Union. It was a moment when the nations were proving their military and economic supremacy. The superpowers had just fought among themselves and it was a time for economic recovery. A lot of funds had been used to facilitate wars and it was time when they had to strengthen their political grounds and ensure that they are safe through the subsequent years. At this moment, not many people understood what was happening apart from the principal leaders who were out for political fame. There were a lot of tensions as the United States and the Soviet Union rushed to conquer and control places that were thought to be having great economic treasures. It had become clear that the resources from their countries would not be enough to facilitate the recovery of their economies. They started looking out for external sources which were those nations that had resources but lacked the mechanism of exploiting them.
There is a significant way through which the two nations handled the period in the 1960s. The two nations were fighting for Vietnam. The United States was determined at ensuring that Vietnam regains back its dependence and that its people were safe. There was generally a concern why the United States had to send their military troops to this nation to ensure that it was safe. The region was known to have potential economic investments that the superpowers wanted to be part of. As much as others wanted to possess them by force through wars, the United States acted in defense with the hope of gaining a competitive advantage after the war had been won (Dowlah & Elliott, 1997). It was also a time when the people were realizing their democratic rights and everybody was looking forward to a new beginning. Many people had been given some civil education about what democracy entailed and were hence ready to make decisions.
There was a need for new laws and policies to be implemented which would facilitate the much-needed growth. Military stability was seen as the basis for economic growth which saw most of the political leaders investing much into their military. Borders had to be protected from any invasion as it became clear that border security was of ultimate importance. People also sought the meaning of the clauses in the constitution that affected them. The sections that were making little or no meaning had to be redefined through amendments. The bill of rights became the center of focus as different groups of people demanded to be protected from any form of exploitation. It became clear that every citizen, despite their social, political, religious, and economic status had to be accorded similar rights (Marty, 1997). This was to be implemented in various social institutions as well as in the provision of basic needs. Even though it would take time before the dreams and ambitions of the people were fulfilled, it was just another beginning of a fight towards democracy. People had to be careful about whom they voted in to take up leadership. Multiparty systems evolved whereby leaders were determined through their political affiliations. This was basically because of the economic policies that they adopted for the nation. Socialism and communism became the basic principles that were advocated for. However, it was only a matter of time before the agendas of certain leaders and their political affiliations were made known.
Reference list
Dowlah, A. & Elliott, J. (1997). The life and times of Soviet socialism. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group.
Marty, M. (1997). Daily life in the United States, 1960-1990: decades of discord. New York: Greenwood Publishing Group.