The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies, lasting from the end of World War II in 1945 until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
It was marked by political, military, and ideological rivalry, including events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Space Race, and the arms race. The Cold War shaped international relations and had a profound impact on global politics, economics, and culture.