Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term "Iron Curtain" specifically refers to the ideological and physical division that emerged in Europe during the Cold War, distinguishing the Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe from the democratic Western nations. Coined by Winston Churchill in a famous speech in 1946, the "Iron Curtain" symbolized the stark contrast between the Soviet Union's oppressive regime and the democratic ideals of the West, highlighting the separation not just in political systems but also in culture and society.

Following World War II, this metaphor gained prominence as Eastern European countries fell under Soviet influence or direct control, while Western Europe, supported by the United States and other democratic nations, maintained a different political and economic outlook. This division played a crucial role in shaping global conflicts, alliances, and the eventual confrontations, such as the Berlin Crisis and the Cuban Missile Crisis, as both sides vied for influence.