Was the US afraid of the USSR?

Yes, the U.S. was concerned about the USSR during the Cold War, primarily due to its expansionist policies and the spread of communism. The fear was heightened by events such as the Soviet Union's development of nuclear weapons and the military standoff exemplified by the Cuban Missile Crisis. This apprehension led to significant military buildup and political strategies aimed at containing Soviet influence globally. Overall, the rivalry shaped much of U.S. foreign policy throughout the second half of the 20th century.