What is the Cold War?

The Cold War refers to a prolonged period of geopolitical tension and military rivalry primarily between the United States and the Soviet Union, which lasted from the end of World War II in the late 1940s until the early 1990s. This era was characterized by competing ideologies, with the U.S. advocating for capitalism and democracy, while the Soviet Union promoted communism and state-controlled economies.

This era involved various forms of indirect conflict, including espionage, propaganda, and proxy wars in different parts of the world, without direct military confrontation between the two superpowers themselves. Key events during this period included the Cuban Missile Crisis, the arms race, and the establishment of NATO and the Warsaw Pact.

Understanding the Cold War is significant because it shaped international relations and domestic policies across many nations, influencing how countries interacted with one another and leading to long-term military and political strategies.