What was the main cause of the Cold War?

The primary cause of the Cold War lies in the ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. After World War II, these two superpowers emerged with fundamentally opposing political and economic systems: the United States promoted capitalism and democratic governance, while the Soviet Union advocated for communism and a one-party state. This ideological divide created a climate of suspicion and hostility, leading to an intense rivalry characterized by a series of political maneuvering, military buildups, and proxy wars.

The conflict was not just about different governance styles but also encompassed deeply entrenched beliefs about how societies should be organized. For instance, the U.S. viewed the spread of communism as a threat to global democracy and freedom, prompting it to adopt strategies designed to contain communist influence worldwide. Conversely, the Soviet Union sought to expand its influence over other nations, viewing capitalism as an existential threat.

While economic competition and territorial disputes may have contributed to tensions during the Cold War, they were manifestations of the larger ideological conflict rather than the root cause itself.