History Browser

This article explains the history of the Cold War era of NATO, the Warsaw Pact. It focuses on Canada's role during this era. Includes a list of suggested readings.

As millions of people celebrated victory in Europe, the Allies prepared for the final struggle against Japan. Nearly 80,000 Canadians volunteered to join the Pacific forces but the war ended before they could be sent.

Twelve nations signed the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 April 1949: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States. They pledged mutual defence, but also - at Canadian insistence - social and economic cooperation.