The Cold War (1947–1991) was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and its Western allies versus the Soviet Union and its Eastern bloc allies. While the two superpowers never engaged in direct military conflict, the Cold War manifested through proxy wars (Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan), nuclear arms race, the Space Race, espionage, and ideological competition. Key events include the Berlin Blockade (1948), Korean War (1950-53), Cuban Missile Crisis (1962), Vietnam War (1955-75), and the fall of the Berlin Wall (1989). The Cold War ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991.