The Eastern Bloc refers to the group of socialist states in Central and Eastern Europe during the Cold War, primarily led by the Soviet Union. This bloc included countries like Poland, Czechoslovakia, and East Germany, which were aligned with communist ideologies and often under Soviet influence. The Eastern Bloc was characterized by state-controlled economies and limited political freedoms. In contrast, the Western Bloc consisted of capitalist countries, mainly in Western Europe and North America, led by the United States. This bloc included nations such as France, West Germany, and the United Kingdom, which promoted democratic governance and free-market economies. The Western Bloc was marked by its opposition to communism and its commitment to collective security through organizations like NATO.