The end of World War II resulted in significant geopolitical changes, including the emergence of the United States and the Soviet Union as superpowers, leading to a bipolar world order. Europe was devastated, requiring reconstruction, which set the stage for the Marshall Plan. Decolonization surged, with many nations in Asia and Africa gaining independence. The formation of the United Nations aimed to prevent future conflicts and promote international cooperation. Additionally, the division of Europe into Eastern (Soviet sphere) and Western blocs sowed the seeds for the Cold War, fundamentally altering international relations for decades.