The establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 contributed to increased American anxieties during the early Cold War. Which statement best describes this impact?

• A. It increased anxieties
• B. It decreased anxieties
• C. It had no effect
• D. It led to immediate nuclear war

Answer: (A)

The important idea here is how the spread of communism affected U.S. thinking during the early Cold War. When the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949, a major Asian country came under communist rule. That shift signaled to American policymakers that communism could win not only in Europe but across the globe, heightening fears about its expansion in Asia and beyond.

This realization made the United States more anxious about losing influence in Asia and about new chances for the Cold War to widen. It reinforced the policy of containment, prompted a tougher stance toward communist allies and potential rivals, and helped drive stronger military and political commitments in the region, including support for anti-communist forces and allies. The result wasn’t immediate nuclear war, but a clear increase in anxiety and a push toward more aggressive Cold War policies.

So the statement that best describes the impact is that it increased anxieties.