Origins of the Cold War: Conflict Over Germany - Formation of NATO Flashcards
Why did the USA feel the need to create
NATO?
• Europe was becoming the focal point of the Cold War so the US had to take a more prominent role in developing Europe’s defence system
When was NATO signed?
• The North Atlantic Treaty was signed on 4 April 1949 for an initial period of twenty years
• Came into force in August 1949
Who were the initial members of NATO?
• The initial members of NATO were: Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Italy, Iceland, France, the United Kingdom and the USA
• This was clearly an alliance of non- communist states.
What was the purpose of NATO?
• NATO is a North Atlantic-Western European military and political alliance
• Military force would be used for the intimidation towards the
USSR and for reassurance for Western states at risk of facing
Soviet aggression
• For the US, it was more of a political defence system against the communists, rather than a military organisation
• NATO encouraged the policy of containment
What is Article Ill of NATO?
• ‘By means of continuous and effective self-help and mutual aid, [nations] will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack
What is Article V of NATO?
• The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all.’
• Suggests possible use of military forces if needed
What is Article Il of NATO?
• The Parties will contribute toward the further development of peaceful and friendly international relations… They will seek to eliminate conflict.”
What was the Soviet response to NATO?
• 1949 Alexander Panyushkin, the Soviet ambassador to the US wrote a letter about NATO
• Claimed it was an agressive organisation designed to pressurise states into complying with the interests of the US / Britain
• USSR denied trying to attack any European states
