Final answer:
The Potsdam Conference led to the Cold War by highlighting the differing ambitions of the United States and the Soviet Union, particularly in Eastern Europe. The conference revealed the Soviet Union's desire to expand their influence, which led to increased tensions with the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Potsdam Conference, held in 1945, was a key event that contributed to the start of the Cold War. One of the major outcomes of the conference was the realization of the differing ideologies and ambitions of the United States and the Soviet Union. The conference made clear that the Soviets wanted to expand their influence in Eastern Europe, particularly in countries like Poland, which led to heightened tensions between the two superpowers. This ideological and territorial rivalry ultimately contributed to the start of the Cold War.