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             After the end of the civil war, the United States and Soviet Union were able to be the first to evolve from a third world country to a modernized civilization like today. The other countries involved were too devastated to do anything but try to recover. Hospitals, schools, and churches throughout Germany felt the war's fury. Fourteen of the nation's twenty-three universities were severely damaged. Transportation and communication systems were disrupted."(3) This shows how Germany, arguably the worlds strongest power prior to World War II was effected negatively, giving them a faulty start to the race for advancements. During this time, the United States used their political influence to reshape the nation a two day holiday was made in which the economy sky-rocketed. "Not only had the dying subsided, but also the United States had emerged from the global conflict in the unique position of an unscathed belligerent "(16-17). This is what gave the United States the advantage. The Soviet Union facing similar circumstances joined in on the race. All of this shows how the United States and Soviet Union faced less traumatic circumstances post World War II, contributing to the birth of the Cold War.

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             When the war ended, the United States and Soviet Union began a race in advancement in every direction. One commonly overlooked way was their quest for obtaining allies by the idea of influence. Indeed, as the two major antagonists of the postwar era, America and Russia did what [other] countries had done for centuries: They built competing spheres of influences. They sought friends; they put up fences; they drew lines; they (34). This was the first step in the race for a competitive edge. After allies of each country were established, both countries took the race 'on every front'. Economic power, political power, and military power constituted the elements of national strength.(110). This contributes to some of many of the attributes that were working toward advancement.