The significance of the Iron Curtain in relation to the Cold War lay in its representation of the ideological and physical division between Western democracies and Eastern Communist nations. Coined by Winston Churchill, the term symbolized the metaphorical barrier separating free societies from those under Soviet influence. This division marked the beginning of a prolonged period of geopolitical tension, characterized by military alliances, propaganda, and proxy wars. The Iron Curtain became emblematic of the broader conflict between capitalism and communism, shaping the political landscape and international relations during the latter half of the 20th century.