What was the main point of contention during the Cold War?

The main point of contention during the Cold War was the ideological conflict between capitalism and communism. This struggle defined the geopolitical landscape from the end of World War II until the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The United States, which championed capitalism and liberal democracy, was in direct opposition to the Soviet Union's promotion of communism and a one-party state.

This ideological divide manifested in various ways, including political rhetoric, propaganda, and military alliances. The fear of the spread of communism, known as the Red Scare in the U.S., led to various domestic and international policies aimed at containment. Events such as the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis were all influenced by this fundamental ideological struggle, each reflecting the tensions and conflicts resulting from these opposing beliefs about government and economic systems.

While other factors such as the arms race, the space race, and economic competition played considerable roles during the Cold War era, they were often extensions or manifestations of the broader ideological conflict at the heart of U.S.-Soviet relations. Understanding this ideological conflict is crucial as it provides context for the various political, military, and cultural events that unfolded during this tumultuous period.