What was a direct result of the Cold War?

The direct result of the Cold War was the increased military tension and competition between the United States and the Soviet Union. This era, which spanned from the end of World War II until the early 1990s, was characterized by a stark ideological divide, with the U.S. promoting capitalism and democracy, and the USSR supporting communism.

As both superpowers sought to expand their influence globally, they engaged in an arms race, building up massive stockpiles of nuclear weapons and other military capabilities. This competition fostered a climate of suspicion and antagonism, leading to numerous proxy wars, espionage activities, and an overall military buildup. Key events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis highlighted the precarious nature of the superpowers' relationship and the constant threat of escalation into direct conflict.

This heightened military competition overshadowed other potential international cooperation, exemplifying how the Cold War shaped global relations and impacted national security policies. The other options may reference related phenomena but do not capture the primary outcome of the tension that defined this period as clearly as increased military rivalry does.