What did the term "Iron Curtain" symbolize during the Cold War?

The term "Iron Curtain" symbolized the division between Communist and non-Communist countries in Europe during the Cold War. Coined by Winston Churchill in 1946, it described the political, military, and ideological barriers that separated the Eastern Bloc, under Soviet influence, from the Western nations that were aligned with the United States and NATO. This division was characterized by stark differences in governance, economic practices, and societal structures, leading to a period of tension and opposition that defined much of the 20th century.

The Iron Curtain was not merely a physical barrier but represented the broader ideological conflict between democracy and totalitarianism, shaping international relations and the geopolitical landscape of Europe for decades. The choice accurately encapsulates this important historical context and highlights the gravity of the divisions that defined the era.