the breakdown in friendly relations between the united states and the soviet union after world war ii was primarily due to ideological differences and conflicting national interests. the united states, a capitalist and democratic country, and the soviet union, a communist and authoritarian country, had fundamentally different systems and visions for the future of the world. during the war, the two countries had been allies, but after the war ended, they quickly became rivals as they sought to expand their respective spheres of influence. the united states, led by president harry truman, was determined to prevent the spread of communism, which it saw as a threat to its way of life and its national security. the soviet union, led by joseph stalin, was equally determined to spread communism and extend its influence over as much of the world as possible. these conflicting goals and ideologies led to a series of confrontations and tensions between the two countries, including the berlin blockade, the korean war, and the cuban missile crisis. these events, along with the intense arms race between the two countries, resulted in a state of cold war, with the two superpowers constantly on the brink of open conflict. the results of this conflict were far-reaching and long-lasting. the cold war had a significant impact on global politics and international relations, as the two superpowers sought to gain allies and support for their respective ideologies. it also had a major impact on domestic policies, as both the united states and the soviet union devoted enormous resources to military buildup and defense. in the end, the cold war ended with the collapse of the soviet union in 1991, but the legacy of this conflict continues to shape the world we live in today.
