Cold War: The state of political tension between the United States (and its allies) and the Soviet Union (and its allies) from 1945 to 1991. It was characterized by proxy wars, nuclear arms race, ideological competition, and distrust between superpowers.
Marshall Plan: An initiative launched by the United States in 1948 that provided economic aid to Europe for post-war reconstruction. It aimed at stabilizing European economies and preventing communism from gaining support.
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): A military alliance formed in 1949 among several Western democracies including the United States as a response to growing Soviet influence. Its purpose was collective defense against potential aggression.