In 1946, the world was recovering from the devastation of World War II. Many countries were focused on rebuilding their economies and infrastructure. The United Nations was established in October of that year to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts. In the United States, the GI Bill was enacted, providing veterans with benefits for education and housing. This helped millions of returning soldiers reintegrate into civilian life. Additionally, the Cold War began to take shape as tensions grew between the United States and the Soviet Union, setting the stage for decades of geopolitical rivalry.