NATO, 1949 (Edexcel GCSE History)

Remember that the Superpower Relations exam tests you on your ability to connect events in a narrative. Using flow diagrams in your revision is a useful way to see how one event led to another event. To challenge yourself, write above each link the theme that connects the two events. For example, Cominform and Czechoslovakia link together. This is because Cominform was an agreement to bring the Eastern European governments together. Czechoslovakia is the practical application of Cominform.

Explain the importance of the formation of NATO (1949) for the development of the Cold War

8 marks

Partial answer:

One reason why NATO was important for the Cold War was how it divided Europe. NATO was a military alliance created by the USA with countries in the West. This caused a division because Stalin viewed NATO as an aggressive action. Some NATO countries bordered Eastern Europe. As a result, Stalin worried that the USA would use NATO in Europe to attack Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. Therefore, the formation of NATO created a bigger divide between East and West.

This style of question in the exam paper would be worth 8 marks. An examiner would expect you to write two paragraphs analysing the importance of an event on a wider theme like US-Soviet relations. Ensure your answer has a chain of impacts in each one of your paragraphs. The worked example argues that:

1. NATO created a military alliance between the USA and the West

2. NATO countries bordered Eastern Europe

3. This made Stalin worried about the threat of the USA using NATO against them

4. As a result, NATO created a bigger divide between East and West

These points link together to create a developed explanation as to why NATO developed the Cold War. Attempt to make a chain of impacts when writing your own answers to this type of question.