After World War 2, the United States and Soviet Union emerged as rival superpowers in a new era called the Cold War. The US helped rebuild Western Europe and Japan through programs like the Marshall Plan to prevent the spread of communism. Germany was divided between democratic West Germany and Soviet-controlled East Germany. The establishment of the UN and NATO sought to maintain peace and counter Soviet influence. At home, the US experienced rapid economic growth and changing social patterns as women and minorities gained new rights and opportunities.