The Cold War began in 1945-1948 as tensions emerged between the capitalist United States and communist Soviet Union after their wartime alliance against Germany. The two superpowers had differing goals for postwar Europe and disagreed over issues discussed at the Yalta and Potsdam conferences, such as reparations, borders, and spheres of influence. While both sides bear some responsibility, the Soviet Union's immense losses in World War 2 and desire for security contributed to rising distrust between Joseph Stalin and American leaders.