The end of World War II brought great changes to the world. This was especially true in Europe, where some battles left areas completely devastated. With the fall of Hitler's regime, it was clear that the leaders of not only European nations, but also other nations like the United States, wanted to change the structure of the territory formerly occupied by the Nazi army. The United States and the Western Bloc would be in a chess game for this territory with the Soviet Union and the Western Bloc. This game of chess is better known as the Cold War. The following paragraphs will explain how this war took place where no blood was shed throughout Europe. These paragraphs will examine and provide examples of how the Cold War created a new set of geopolitical, social, and economic relationships across the continent, as well as which of these factors were most important. Geopolitics is defined as the study of the effect of geography on the continent. on politics and international relations. After the Yalta Conference and the official surrender of Germany, geopolitical relations between the nations formerly controlled by Hitler's army were in limbo. Would they fall into the hands of the communist force of Stalin's regime or would they embrace the democratic government that is sweeping the world thanks to the powers of the United States and the Western bloc? First, Germany was divided in two, with the western half controlled by the Allies and the eastern half under the control of the Soviet Union. In 1949, West Germany would have a democratic government while East Germany would become a satellite country of the Soviet Union with a communist government. The Soviet Union would continue the spread of its communist type of government by absorbing the countries of Albania...... middle of paper ......nent as well as which of these factors was more important. Ultimately, the Cold War was not a proud moment for the countries involved, especially the European nations. The lesson we can learn today from this battle between capitalism and communism is that in the end, capitalism will prevail. All of these nations that were once part of the Soviet empire have now adopted some form of capitalism. Even the former Soviets implemented their version of capitalism (although it seems Russia is trying to reintegrate the old ways). Today and tomorrow, the Cold War will be seen as a war of superpowers attempting to control how the world runs its government. People say we are headed for another Cold War. If so, this incarnation will not have the geopolitical, social and economic relationships of the original..