apr 4, 1949 - Formation of NATO

Description:

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was formed to provide collective security against the Soviet Union. Non-communist nations signed a treaty that would ensure that the countries would provide a military support in case of an invasion.

Significance: Although it was never directly stated, the Western Bloc was clearly preparing for war. They created NATO to defend against an attack; there would be no reason to do so if they believed a war would not occur.

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