What was the primary cause of the Cold War?

The primary cause of the Cold War was the ideological conflict between capitalism and communism. This tension can be traced back to the differing political and economic systems of the United States and the Soviet Union following World War II. The U.S. promoted capitalism, emphasizing free markets, individual liberties, and democratic governance, whereas the Soviet Union championed communism, advocating for state control of resources and a classless society.

This fundamental clash of ideologies became the backdrop for numerous global events and conflicts throughout the Cold War period, as both superpowers sought to extend their influence across the globe. The competition led to significant military buildups, proxy wars, and an overarching atmosphere of distrust, shaping international relations for decades.

Other options such as economic competition, colonial rivalry, and military alliances certainly played roles in the broader context of world history, but they do not encapsulate the core reason for the intense rivalry and hostility that characterized the Cold War era like the ideological conflict does.