In the years immediately following World War II,

United States foreign policy was primarily

focused on

(1) securing peace in the Middle East

(2) containing the spread of communism

(3) sending volunteers to developing countries

(4) maintaining neutrality in world conflicts

In the years immediately following World War II, United States foreign policy was primarily focused on 2. containing the spread of communism. Remember that the Soviet Union had pushed Nazi Germany's forces back into their homeland, occupying nations on the way. This, coupled with the use and proliferation of atomic weapons, kickstarted the Cold War.