Which major conflict is associated with the period of 1945-1991?

The major conflict associated with the period of 1945-1991 is the Cold War. This era was defined by a geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies. The Cold War was characterized by ideological battles between communism and capitalism, an arms race, and numerous proxy wars. It fostered significant events such as the Berlin Blockade, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War, although the latter was a specific conflict occurring within the broader scope of the Cold War context.

The Cold War's influence was pervasive in international relations, shaping global alliances through organizations like NATO and the Warsaw Pact. The ideological divisions it created led to a sustained period of rivalry without direct conflict between the superpowers, which fundamentally altered political dynamics and resulted in significant military and technological advancements. The Cold War officially concluded with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, marking a definitive end to the tensions established in the immediate post-World War II period.