What was the primary goal of the policy of containment?

The primary goal of the policy of containment was to counter Soviet and Communist expansion. This strategy emerged during the early years of the Cold War and was based on the understanding that the Soviet Union sought to spread its influence and ideology beyond its borders. The United States, along with its allies, aimed to prevent this expansion in order to protect democratic nations and maintain a balance of power in the world.

Containment involved various strategies, including military alliances, political support for countries resisting communism, and economic aid to promote stability in regions susceptible to communist influence. The philosophy behind containment was not merely to confront the Soviet Union but also to create a stable environment where democratic institutions could thrive without the threat of communist takeover.

While other choices mention aspects related to foreign relations—such as preventing the spread of Western ideas in Eastern Europe or isolating the United States from foreign crises—they do not accurately capture the main objective of containing communism. The focus on countering Soviet expansion emphasizes the proactive stance the United States took in shaping global geopolitics during the Cold War.