Rising Tensions in the Cold War - Development of NATO and the Warsaw Pact

Question 1

What is NATO?

Answer 1

NATO is an acronym for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. It is a military alliance based on the promise of mutual defence against an attack by an external force.

Question 2

When was NATO formed?

Answer 2

NATO was formed on 4th April, 1949.

Question 3

Who joined NATO?

Answer 3

The original 12 members were: the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, Luxembourg, Portugal and Iceland.

Question 4

Why was NATO created?

Answer 4

• The actions of Stalin and the USSR in the Berlin Blockade had worried them.
• They wanted military protection from future aggression.

Question 5

What were the consequences of the creation of NATO?

Answer 5

• The USSR was contained in Europe, ensuring if it attacked any European member of NATO the other members would come to that country’s aid.
• All NATO members were protected by the promise of mutual military aid against any Soviet attack, helping to make the security of western Europe stronger.
• In response to West Germany joining NATO, the Soviet Union formed the Warsaw Pact in 1955 so the USSR had full military control over eastern Europe.
• The USA had committed to a military presence in Europe.

Question 6

What message was sent by the creation of NATO?

Answer 6

• The USA and western European countries would not accept Soviet aggression.
• The West would maintain the idea of containment set out in the Truman Doctrine.

Question 7

Why was NATO important?

Answer 7

• It was based on the idea of ‘collective security’ - when one country is attacked, the rest must assist it.
• It acted as a deterrent to a military attack by the Soviet Union on western Europe.

Question 8

What was the Warsaw Pact?

Answer 8

The Warsaw Pact was a defensive military alliance between the USSR and eastern European countries.

Question 9

When was the Warsaw Pact signed?

Answer 9

The Warsaw Pact was established on 14th May, 1955.

Question 10

Who was part of the Warsaw Pact?

Answer 10

The members of the Warsaw Pact were the USSR, Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland and Romania.

Question 11

Why was the Warsaw Pact created?

Answer 11

• The USSR felt threatened when West Germany was allowed to join NATO in 1955 because Germany had invaded Russia in both world wars.
• The Pact would increase the USSR’s control over eastern Europe.

Question 12

What did the members of the Warsaw Pact agree to?

Answer 12

By joining the Warsaw Pact, members agreed to defend each other if they were attacked by a non-member. This was the idea of collective security.

Question 13

What were the consequences of the creation of the Warsaw Pact?

Answer 13

• The USSR increased control over the satellite states in eastern Europe because it dominated the Pact.
• Europe was now divided politically, economically and militarily into two hostile camps.
• It intensified the arms race with the West.