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

The ideological conflict between capitalism and communism was indeed the main point of contention during the Cold War. This period, characterized by geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union, was fundamentally rooted in contrasting ideologies. The U.S. promoted a capitalist economic system that emphasized individual freedom, private property, and free markets, while the Soviet Union advocated for communism, which sought to eliminate private ownership and establish a classless society through state control of resources and industries.

The clash of these ideologies shaped diplomatic relations and fostered a pervasive atmosphere of distrust and hostility that influenced global events. This ideological struggle was not merely theoretical but played out in numerous ways, including proxy wars, political alliances, and social movements worldwide. Each side sought to spread its ideological influence, leading to a significant part of the Cold War being fought in the realm of ideas, propaganda, and culture, in addition to military confrontations and rivalries.

While the military arms race, the space race, and economic competition were critical elements of the Cold War, they were often manifestations or extensions of this foundational ideological conflict. The arms race was fueled by the desire to demonstrate superiority of one system over the other, while the space race was a visual representation of technological and ideological competition.