Final answer:
The United States and Soviet Union's shift from allies to rivals was due to ideological differences, the nuclear power race, and geopolitical strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The shift in the relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union, transitioning from allies during World War II to rivals in the Cold War, was influenced by three major factors.
- Ideological Differences: The U.S. believed in capitalism and democracy, while the Soviet Union advocated for communism. These conflicting beliefs played a big role.
- Nuclear Power Race: After World War II, the realization of nuclear weapons added a new dimension of rivalry. The Soviet Union's successful testing of a nuclear bomb ended the U.S.'s monopoly on nuclear weapons, intensifying the Cold War tensions.
- Geopolitical Strategies: Both the U.S. and Soviet Union engaged in various geopolitical strategies. For instance, the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan from the U.S., and the Warsaw Pact from the Soviets, were attempts to extend their influence.
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