The Cold War began after WWII as tensions grew between the US and Soviet Union due to their differing goals of security and democracy. This led to an era of confrontation as the two nations competed for influence in Europe and other parts of the world. The tensions were exacerbated by events like the Soviet takeover of Eastern Europe, the Berlin Blockade, the creation of NATO, and China becoming communist. The Korean War further heightened fears of communism's spread. During this early Cold War period, the Red Scare led to widespread paranoia in the US regarding communist infiltration.