What was a significant effect of the Cold War?

The significance of the geopolitical division of Eastern and Western Europe as an effect of the Cold War is critical for understanding the post-World War II era. Following the end of the Second World War, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union escalated, leading to a clear ideological divide. This division solidified into the Iron Curtain, a term coined by Winston Churchill, which symbolized the boundary separating the capitalist West from the communist East.

Countries in Eastern Europe fell under Soviet influence, becoming satellite states that adhered to communist governance, while Western Europe experienced a different trajectory, largely aligned with Western democratic and capitalist principles. This polarization not only shaped political allegiances but also resulted in significant economic, social, and military implications throughout the continent.

This bifurcation of Europe was manifested in various ways, such as through the establishment of different military alliances and economic systems. The division also set the stage for numerous events of the Cold War, including the Berlin Blockade, the construction of the Berlin Wall, and the numerous proxy wars around the globe that were influenced by this ideological divide. Understanding this geopolitical division is crucial for grasping the broader context of international relations during the second half of the 20th century.