The outcome of World War II for Europe was profoundly transformative, leading to the establishment of new political dynamics and the division of the continent during the Cold War. The war's end in 1945 resulted in the defeat of Nazi Germany and fascist regimes, paving the way for the emergence of democratic governments in western Europe. Conversely, Eastern Europe fell under Soviet influence, leading to the establishment of communist states. This division created a geopolitical landscape characterized by tension and conflict, culminating in events like the Berlin Wall and the arms race. Furthermore, the war stimulated economic recovery through the Marshall Plan, influencing Europe’s postwar identity.