Part 7/10:
The Cold War and Global Tensions
Post-World War II, a new political conflict emerged between the Soviet Union and the United States, known as the Cold War. Both superpowers vied for influence worldwide, with the Soviet Union advocating for the spread of communism and the United States promoting capitalism and democracy. Europe became delineated, with West Germany falling under American influence and East Germany under Soviet control, leading to escalating tensions and the construction of the Berlin Wall.
This period was characterized by an arms race and numerous proxy wars, with both nations threatening to utilize nuclear weapons, raising global stakes. Throughout the Cold War, the Soviet Union solidified its position as a critical player in international politics.