Historia
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World History • Cold War • Lesson 4

Alliances and Power Blocs: NATO vs. Warsaw Pact

As the Cold War deepened, both sides built military alliances. This lesson explains why NATO and the Warsaw Pact were created and how they organized the world into opposing blocs.

Video Lesson

How the Cold War Became Organized

As you watch, focus on:
  • Why the United States and its allies created NATO
  • Why the Soviet Union responded with the Warsaw Pact
  • How alliances made the Cold War larger and more dangerous
Check for Understanding

Quick Response

Why would countries join a military alliance during the Cold War instead of trying to stay completely alone?