During which conflict did the Cold War tensions arise between the US and its allies and the Soviet Union?

The Cold War was a prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, after the end of World War II. The conflict is characterized by ideological, political, military, and economic rivalries without direct military confrontation between the two superpowers. During this era, events like the Berlin Blockade, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and various proxy wars unfolded, emphasizing the ideological competition and mutual suspicions.

World War I and World War II occurred prior to this time of tension; the former resulted in significant changes to the global power structure that eventually set the stage for the Cold War but did not directly cause it. While World War II did contribute to the rise of tensions due to differing ideologies and the division of Europe following the defeat of Nazi Germany, the term "Cold War" specifically refers to the period that follows these conflicts. The Vietnam War, though a key moment in Cold War history, is a conflict that occurred within the broader context of the Cold War itself rather than being the source of the tensions.

Thus, the Cold War encapsulates the direct tensions and adversarial relationship that defined the latter half of the 20th century, making it the correct choice regarding the conflict during which these