How was Europe divided and what were three consequences of its division?

Europe's postwar division was starkly evident by 1947, creating a situation that would last over four decades.

Two major alliances, NATO and the Warsaw Pact, were established with the U.S. and Soviet Union at their core. NATO represented the Western bloc and included most of Western Europe, while the Warsaw Pact represented the Eastern bloc and included the Soviet Union and most Eastern European countries.

Consequences:

1. Political and military tensions between the two blocs.

2. Competition for influence and control in Europe and beyond.

3. Ideological struggle between capitalism and communism, known as the Cold War.