NATO's Role in the Cold War
Race For ArmsSoon after the formation of NATO in 1949 the Soviets detonated their first Atomic Bomb and triggered the Korean War. NATO responded later with the threat and warning of the strategic doctrine: "Massive Retaliation" which would cause NATO to launch nuclear bombs on the Soviets if they attacked NATO. The focus on nuclear war actually allowed countries to build up an economy instead of a war army.
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"Arms alone can give the world no permanent peace, no confident security. Arms are solely for defense -- to protect from violent assault what we already have. They are only a costly insurance. They cannot add to human progress."
Address before the American Society of Newspaper Editors, Statler Hotel, Washington, DC, 4/21/56
Address before the American Society of Newspaper Editors, Statler Hotel, Washington, DC, 4/21/56
The Soviet Union was spending time gaining control over small countries to increase temporary power in exchange for long run stability. The Harnel Report, shown left, led up to the signing of the Helsinki Final Act in 1973. This required countries to give freedom to their own citizens, including the Soviets. In exchange the NATO would acknowledge the power of the Soviets in Europe. At first the Soviets attempted to avoid these ideas but they later realized how powerful they were.
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