Final answer:
The Cold War was a period of tension between the US and the Soviet Union. It started after World War II and ended in the early 1990s due to various factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Cold War was a period of political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union that lasted from the end of World War II until the early 1990s. It was characterized by ideological conflict, proxy wars, and the threat of nuclear warfare.
The beginning of the Cold War can be traced back to the end of World War II when the United States and the Soviet Union emerged as the two major superpowers. The differences in their political systems, economic ideologies, and strategic interests led to a deep mistrust and rivalry.
The end of the Cold War is often attributed to a combination of factors, including the economic decline of the Soviet Union, political reforms in Eastern European countries, and the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, who pursued a policy of openness and restructuring known as perestroika and glasnost.