Lesson 7: creation of NATO and the Warsaw pact

• What was the main concern of America by the end of the 1940s?

  Threatening actions of the Soviet Union
• What did the Soviet Union believe about America's intentions in Europe?

  America wanted to control Europe
• What geographical divide emerged in Europe by the end of the 1940s?

  A divide between the West and East
• What military organization did America and its allies create?

  NATO
• What was the purpose of NATO's creation in 1949?

  To protect against the Soviet Union's threat
• When was NATO created?

  1949
• Why did the USA persuade other western powers to join NATO?

  To form a formal military alliance
• Which countries joined NATO in April 1945?

  USA, France, Britain, and 9 others
• What agreement did NATO members make regarding attacks?

  All members would help if attacked
• What was a consequence of NATO's creation for American troops?

  They remained in Europe post-WWII
• What significant decision was made by NATO in 1955?

  West Germany was allowed to join NATO
• What was the Soviet Union's response to NATO's expansion?

  Creation of the Warsaw Pact
• How did Stalin perceive NATO?

  As evidence of American strength in Europe
• When was the Warsaw Pact created?

  1955
• Why did the Soviet Union create the Warsaw Pact?

  To respond to NATO's formation
• Which countries were members of the Warsaw Pact?

  Soviet Union, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and others
• What was the promise made by Warsaw Pact members?

  To help each other if attacked
• What was the impact of NATO and the Warsaw Pact on Europe?

  Europe was divided into two military alliances
• What fear arose from the existence of NATO and the Warsaw Pact?

  Fear of war between the two sides
• How did NATO powers view the Warsaw Pact?

  As another threat to peace
• What were the main differences between NATO and the Warsaw Pact?

  • NATO: Western military alliance
  • Warsaw Pact: Eastern military alliance
  • NATO aimed to stop communism
  • Warsaw Pact aimed to expand communism