apr 4, 1949 - NATO Founded

Description:

On April 4, 1949, Canada formed a military alliance with the United States, Britain, and other Western European countries. They were the fathering nations of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, more commonly referred to as NATO. This alliance made a lucid divide between regions with democratic and communist ideologies, particularly once West Germany was admitted to the alliance on May 9, 1955; because NATO was an increasing threat to the Soviet Union, it sparked the formation of a countering alliance, the Warsaw Pact, compiled of communist nations in Eastern Europe. NATO vowed to do everything in its power to defeat the Warsaw Pact if matters turned violent, even if that meant resorting to nuclear weapons.

Moreover, NATO was a significant part of Canada's growing international role and independence as a middle power. Canada's participation in NATO gave it the opportunity to represent the interest of smaller nations, as well as give support to larger nations through military assistance. However, due to NATO activity predominantly being catered to American needs, and America holding close ties with Canada, it was challenging for Canada to maintain a distinct foreign policy and defence policy.

Image: NATO's flag

Added to timeline:

Date:

Images: