Cold War Europe Map

The Cold War between the U.S. and Soviet Union originated from postwar disagreements, conflicting ideologies, and fears of expansionism. (See the cold war map)
At both the Yalta Conference and Potsdam Conference, U.S. and Soviet leaders sharply disagreed over the future of the post-war world.
After the war, the U.S.’ s primary goal was prosperity through open markets and a strengthened Europe. The Soviet Union sought prosperity through security; a rebuilt Europe would be a threat. Similarly, the U.S. advocated capitalism while the Soviets advocated communism.
Both the U.S.’ s ” Long Telegram ” and the Soviets’ “Novikov Telegram” displayed a sense of mutual distrust. 
Churchill’s “iron curtain” speech and the creation of Cominform further divided the world into two blocs.