What was one reason the United States sought to build up its hard power at the beginning of the Cold War?
O A. To protect itself and its NATO allies
B. To invade Eastern Bloc countries
C. To support the economy of the United States
D. To protect world peace with the Soviet Union

A. To protect itself and its NATO allies.

The beginning of the Cold War massive tension had grew between the USSR (Main communist state) and the USA (Main Democratic State) In order to preserve democracy throughout the World, the United States would build up its power militarily and diplomatically. This means building weapons of mass destruction like atom bombs.