NATO and the Warsaw Pact Flashcards
When was NATO formed and why?
April 1949, in response to the Berlin Blockade and Airlift
Who were members of NATO?
12 original members: USA, Canada, Britain, France, Denmark, Italy, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Luxembourg and Iceland. West Germany joined in 1955.
What was the purpose of NATO?
Collective defence and military strategy. The principle was that if one member came under attack, it would be seen as an attack on all members.
What were the capabilities of NATO?
Approximately 50 divisions (of which 25 were active). In 1952, it was agreed to dramatically increase the strength of NATO forces.
Who had nuclear weapons in NATO?
USA, Britain (from 1952), France (from 1960)
Who led NATO?
There was a collective leadership of the member countries. However, the USA provided the majority of the funds and fire power and built bases across Western Europe.
When was the Warsaw Pact created and why?
1955, in response to West Germany being allowed to join NATO.
Who were members of the Warsaw Pact?
8 members: USSR, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, East Germany, Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia.
What was the purpose of the Warsaw Pact?
Formed as a counter-balance to the power of NATO and to protect the security and interests of the countries behind the iron curtain.
What were the capabilities of the Warsaw Pact?
Approximately 5.5 million personnel in 175 divisions, 35,000 tanks and at least 100,000 aircraft.
Who had nuclear weapons in the Warsaw Pact?
The USSR
Who was the leader of the Warsaw Pact?
It was officially a collective organisation like NATO, but in reality all armed forces were controlled by the USSR and all decisions were made in Moscow.
