What was a key ideological division during the Cold War in Europe?

A significant ideological division during the Cold War in Europe was indeed between capitalist Western Europe and communist Eastern Europe. This separation arose after World War II, as Europe was divided into two spheres of influence: the Western nations that aligned with the United States and adopted capitalist economies and democratic governance, and the Eastern bloc countries that fell under the influence of the Soviet Union, embracing communist ideologies and state-controlled economies.

The establishment of the Iron Curtain symbolized this division, with countries like West Germany, France, and the United Kingdom representing the capitalist West, while East Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia exemplified the communist East. This ideological conflict not only shaped political alliances and military strategies but also influenced societal norms and cultural exchanges, leading to significant tensions such as the arms race and proxy wars across the globe.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of the ideological struggle central to the Cold War in Europe. While debates between monarchist and republican states, socialist and conservative governments, and religious versus secular governments were relevant in various historical contexts, they were not the defining factors that characterized the Cold War rivalry. The stark contrast between capitalism and communism was the primary issue that influenced international relations and internal politics during this period in Europe.