Living during the Cold War was a time of tension and fear for many people around the world. The rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union created a climate of political, military, and ideological competition. People lived with the constant threat of nuclear war, and there were widespread fears of espionage, government surveillance, and the spread of communism. The Cold War also had significant cultural, social, and economic impacts, shaping the way people lived, worked, and interacted with each other. It was a period of uncertainty and unease, but also one of great technological advancements and geopolitical change.
Nuclear preparedness became a way of life, and many schools and businesses practiced duck-and-cover drills in case of an event.