What was the main cause of the Cold War?

Study for the OSAT World History/Geography Test. Prepare with detailed questions, flashcards, and enlightening explanations. Master your exam effortlessly!

The main cause of the Cold War was the ideological conflict between capitalism, represented by the United States, and communism, represented by the Soviet Union. This ideological divide shaped the foreign policies and interactions of both nations from the end of World War II into the late 20th century. The U.S. promoted a capitalist economy and democratic governance, viewing communism as a threat to individual freedoms and global stability. In contrast, the Soviet Union advocated for a communist system that aimed to abolish private property and promote state control over the economy, seeing capitalism as inherently exploitative.

This fundamental disagreement over economic and political systems led to a series of conflicts, tensions, and proxy wars around the world, as each superpower sought to expand its influence and counter the other's ideological reach. The Cold War was characterized by a lack of direct military confrontation between the U.S. and the USSR but witnessed extensive political maneuvering and indirect hostilities in various regions, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas, where the two powers supported opposing sides in civil wars and revolutions.

Territorial disputes were involved in some context, but they were more a result of the Cold War dynamics than a direct cause. Economic competition was also significant, particularly in arms races and technological rivalry

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