What were the major factors that led to the development and escalation of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union after World War II?

The major factors included ideological differences between capitalism and communism, mutual distrust, the power vacuum in Europe post-WWII, nuclear arms race, and conflicting interests in global influence. Key events like the Truman Doctrine, Marshall Plan, Berlin Blockade, and NATO vs. Warsaw Pact further escalated tensions.