NATO Founding Treaty
TreatyAbout
The North Atlantic Treaty, signed on April 4, 1949, in Washington, D.C., established the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a military alliance for collective defense in Europe. The treaty was signed by twelve founding members: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This alliance aimed to provide a counterweight to Soviet military power in Europe after World War II. Key articles of the treaty include Article 5, which stipulates that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, prompting collective defense. Article 10 allows other European states to join with unanimous approval from existing members. The treaty emphasizes peaceful resolution of disputes and cooperation among members. Over time, NATO has expanded to include more members and has adapted to post-Cold War challenges, remaining a central element in European security.
