In 1948, significant global events shaped the post-World War II landscape. The year marked the beginning of the Cold War, a period of political tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. This year also saw the establishment of the Marshall Plan, which aimed to aid the economic recovery of European nations. Another major event was the founding of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, following a United Nations resolution to partition Palestine. This led to the first Arab-Israeli war, as neighboring Arab countries opposed the establishment of a Jewish state, resulting in ongoing regional conflict.