After the Second World War, Europe laid in ruins after years of war and bombing. The European Continent was devastated economically and politically. Tensions between the Western Allies and Soviet Russia had emerged in the last years of the war and soon led to the fear that the Soviet Army may attack Western Europe.

 

In April 1949, twelve nations came together to sign the Washington Treaty and to pledge their commitment to work together to keep their nations safe. This episode looks at the origins of NATO, from the end of World War II, to the signing of the Treaty. It explains the key articles and how they lay the foundation for NATO’s missions and values over the past seven decades.

 

HOSTS: Dr. Stella Adorf, Master Sergeant Alex Burnett, Dr. Linda Risso

 

GUESTS: General Curtis Michael Scaparrotti

 

NATO Declassified: Origins. 

 

The North Atlantic Treaty. Washington D.C. - 4 April 1949

 https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/official_texts_17120.htm

 

Ismay, Hastings Lionel. NATO, The First Five Years: 1949-1954. Paris: NATO, 1954.