What does the term "Cold War" refer to?

The term "Cold War" specifically refers to the political tensions and ideological conflict that existed between the Soviet Union and the United States after World War II, which lasted approximately from the late 1940s to the early 1990s. This period was characterized by a lack of direct military conflict between the two superpowers, but it featured significant rivalries manifested through proxy wars, the arms race, space race, and various forms of political and military competition.

The Cold War was marked by a struggle between two opposing ideologies: communism, represented by the Soviet Union, and capitalism and democracy, represented by the United States. This rivalry led to the formation of military alliances, such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact, and had far-reaching effects on global politics, including conflicts like the Korean War and the Vietnam War, which were influenced by the larger context of U.S.-Soviet relations.

Other options do not accurately represent the Cold War. For instance, while the rivalry between the U.S. and China has been significant, particularly in the 21st century, it does not encapsulate the Cold War period. Additionally, the economic competition during the Great Depression pertains to a different historical context, and the military alliances formed during World