Map infographic of Berlin during the Cold War, showing the division between West Berlin (French, British, and American sectors) and East Berlin (Soviet sector) with the Berlin Wall marked.

Map of Berlin during the Cold War, highlighting the division between the Soviet-controlled East and the French, British, and American sectors in West Berlin, separated by the Berlin Wall.

Cold War

Category: World History Date: October 29, 2024

What was the Cold War?

The Cold War was a period of intense political and military tension between the United States and its allies (representing capitalist democracies) and the Soviet Union and its allies (representing communist states) from roughly 1947 to 1991. It involved ideological conflicts, nuclear arms races, and proxy wars but avoided direct conflict between the two superpowers.