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The Warsaw Pact, 1955 (AQA GCSE History) : Revision Note

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

The Warsaw Pact, 1955 - Summary

Tensions between the two 'Superpowers' of the USA and the Soviet Union had increased following the creation of Cominform in 1947 and Comecon in 1949. These organisations had convinced President Truman that the Soviet Union was seeking to spread communism in Europe.

After the Soviet Union blocked access to Berlin during the Berlin Crisis, the Western powers formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in 1949 to make sure that they could counter any potential Soviet invasion of Western Europe.

After the introduction of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) into NATO in May 1955, Stalin quickly moved to create a similar military alliance made up of countries of the 'Eastern Bloc'. This became known as the Warsaw Pact.

Europe was now not only divided by ideological differences but also by two rival military forces prepared for conflict.

What was the Warsaw Pact?

  • The Warsaw Pact was created in May 1955 in response to the German Federal Republic (West Germany) joining NATO:

    • The Soviet Union were worried about a strong West Germany being part of a military alliance with the USA

  • The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance based on 'Collective Security'

    • If one member was attacked, all members would defend it

  • The Warsaw Pact was under the command of the Soviet Union

Reasons for the Warsaw Pact

A timeline diagram explaining key events that led to the formation of the Warsaw Pact in May 1955. The sequence begins with the Truman Doctrine (March 1947), described as being seen as an attack on communism and the East. It progresses to The Berlin Airlift (June 1948), where Western countries embarrassed and humiliated the Soviet Union. Following this, NATO is formed in April 1949, with Western countries led by the USA creating a military alliance. In May 1955, West Germany joins NATO, which is perceived as a threat to Eastern security. In response, the Warsaw Pact is formed in the same month, establishing a formal military alliance between countries of the East.
A timeline showing the events leading up to the creation of the Warsaw Pact

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Some students confuse the Warsaw Pact with NATO. They are both military alliances. However, NATOcombined the military force of the West whereas the Warsaw Pact was a military agreement within Eastern Europe.

Aims and membership of the Warsaw Pact

An educational infographic explaining the Warsaw Pact. At the center is the symbol of the Warsaw Pact, featuring two clasped hands and surrounded by red stars, laurel leaves, and the flags of member countries. Above it is a red banner labeled "The Warsaw Pact". On the left-hand side, under the heading "Aims", three key objectives are listed: to protect against a possible attack by the USA or its NATO allies, to agree to assist any member if attacked, and to strengthen relations between countries in the East. On the right-hand side, under the heading "Members", the infographic describes the Warsaw Pact as comprising 'Eastern Bloc' countries and lists the Soviet Union, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Albania, and East Germany.
An illustration showing the details of the Warsaw Pact

The Impact of the Warsaw Pact

  • The Warsaw Pact confirmed the separation of Europe into two groups:

    • Western, capitalist countries that were members of NATO

    • Eastern, communist countries that were members of the Warsaw Pact

  • The creation of the Warsaw Pact was a military decision by the Soviet Union

  • As of August 1949, the Soviet Union had achieved parity with the USA with both countries having atomic weapons

  • The presence of two military alliances in Europe increased the likelihood of war and led to both groups increasing their military power

How did the Warsaw Pact affect US-Soviet relations?

A Cold War comparison chart showing the political, economic, and military responses of the USA and the USSR. On the left side is the American flag, and on the right side is the Soviet flag, with a fraying rope connecting the two, symbolizing increasing tensions. The chart is divided into three horizontal rows, each showing a response from each side and the year it was introduced. In the political category (marked in purple), the USA introduced the Truman Doctrine in 1947, and the USSR responded with Cominform in the same year. In the economic category, the USA launched the Marshall Plan in 1948, while the USSR established Comecon in 1949. In the military category, NATO was created by the USA and its allies in 1949, and the USSR responded with the formation of the Warsaw Pact in 1955.
An illustration showing how the Warsaw Pact contributed to the division between West and East

Worked Example

‘The creation of the Warsaw Pact was the most important response by the USSR to the actions of the West between 1949 and 1955.’
How far do you agree with this statement?

[16 marks + 4 SPaG]

Partial answer

Overall, the creation of the Warsaw Pact was an important response by the USSR, but it was not the most important. The Berlin Blockade was a more significant response because it was an immediate and aggressive attempt to force the West out of Berlin. While the Warsaw Pact formalised the divide between East and West, it was a reaction to NATO and did not directly increase tension in the same way. The Berlin Blockade had greater short-term consequences, including the Berlin Airlift and the first major crisis of the Cold War, which increased tensions.

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Conclusions are usually where most of your judgement marks will be awarded. Students often rush their conclusions so they are not as developed as they could be

All great conclusions have these three elements:

  • Judgement – Start with your opinion. Try to include the words from the question. Consider second-order concepts like short- and long-term consequences, change and continuity and significance

  • Counter – Give an example from the other side of the argument to show your awareness of this

  • Support – Explain why, after considering all the evidence, you have reached your judgement. Use your best piece of evidence to show your opinion

For further guidance on this question, you can read this revision note on how to answer the 16-mark “How far do you agree” question.

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Zoe Wade

    Author: Zoe Wade

    Expertise: History Content Creator

    Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

    Bridgette Barrett

    Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

    Expertise: Geography Lead

    After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.