In historical context, the term 'Cold War' refers to the prolonged period of political tension and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, roughly from the end of World War II in 1945 until the early 1990s. It was characterized by ideological conflict between capitalism and communism, a series of proxy wars, nuclear arms races, and the division of Europe into East and West. This conflict never escalated into direct military confrontation between the two superpowers but profoundly affected global relations and politics.