The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is a political and military alliance between North American and European nations. It was forged after the second World War as a means to prevent future bloodshed and conflict between nations.
On March 4, 1947, Britain and France signed the Treaty of Dunkirk, which was meant to prevent a future military threat from Germany or the Soviet Union. Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg joined shortly after.
The growing alliance was expanded to include the U.S., Canada, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.
On April 4, 1949, those nations signed the North Atlantic Treaty agreeing to come to the aid of any fellow signatory under attack by foreign power.
