Which of the following best explains why people experienced heightened fear and stress in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s?

• A. The popularity of reality television shows contributed to increased stress and fear among the population.
• B. The threat of nuclear war and the onset of the Cold War created widespread anxiety about global conflict and potential destruction.
• C. The rapid expansion of social media led to increased exposure to frightening news and misinformation.
• D. Widespread fear was primarily due to concerns about climate change and environmental disasters.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the historical context of the 1940s and 1950s in the United States, focusing on major social and political events during that time period.
2. Step 2: Recognize that reality television and social media did not exist or were not widespread during the 1940s and 1950s, so these options are unlikely to explain heightened fear and stress.
3. Step 3: Understand that climate change and environmental concerns became prominent much later, so these are not relevant causes for fear in that era.
4. Step 4: Focus on the Cold War period, which began after World War II, and the associated threat of nuclear war, which created widespread anxiety about global conflict and potential destruction.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best explanation for heightened fear and stress in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s is the threat of nuclear war and the onset of the Cold War.