The 20th century in Europe was marked by significant events, including two devastating world wars. World War I (1914-1918) led to the collapse of empires like the Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman Empires, while World War II (1939-1945) resulted in widespread destruction and the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany. The post-war period saw the division of Europe during the Cold War, with the Eastern Bloc under Soviet influence and the Western Bloc aligned with the United States. This era also witnessed the formation of the European Union, promoting economic cooperation and integration among European nations.