Following World War II, Europe underwent significant geopolitical changes characterized by the emergence of the Cold War and the division of the continent into spheres of influence. The defeated Axis powers, notably Germany, were occupied and divided among the Allied powers, leading to the establishment of West and East Germany. Eastern Europe fell under Soviet influence, promoting communist regimes in several countries, while Western Europe experienced economic recovery fueled by the Marshall Plan. The establishment of NATO in 1949 and the Warsaw Pact in 1955 further solidified this division. Additionally, the decolonization movement gained momentum as European powers hurried to relinquish control over their overseas territories, reshaping global political dynamics.