Cold War

The Cold War was a period of political and military tension and conflict between the two main superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, and their allies, during the years 1947-1991. The term "Cold War" is used to describe that there was not a direct military conflict between the two sides, but that the tension and rivalry was palpable and had global implications.

The Cold War began after World War II when the political and ideological differences between the United States (capitalist democracy) and the Soviet Union (communist dictatorship) created an atmosphere of suspicion and rivalry. Both sides sought to expand their influence over the rest of the world through propaganda, diplomatic maneuvers, and support for allied regimes.