The Cold War's historical context frames global politics from the late 1940s until the early 1990s, characterized by tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Ideological conflict over capitalism versus communism fueled military alliances, such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact, leading to proxy wars and an arms race. This period saw significant events like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War, creating a bipolar world order. The Cold War profoundly shaped international relations, influencing political, economic, and military policies globally for decades.