NATO: 75 Years Deterring Armageddon
American History Hit
History Hit
4.3 • 1.7K Ratings
🗓️ 4 April 2024
⏱️ 32 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
It comprises more than half of the world's defence spending, but what is the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation? How has the United States influenced it from its inception to today? And how, during its 75 years, has it impacted the United States in return?
Don is joined by Peter Apps, journalist and Reuters global defence commentator. From the signing of the treaty by the first 12 members on 4th April 1949, through tensions, failures and the addition of member states, how might NATO be 'the world's most successful military alliance'?
Produced by Sophie Gee. Edited by Ella Blaxill. Senior Producer was Charlotte Long.
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Transcript
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| 0:27.0 | That's better H-E-L-P.com. President Harry S Truman stands at a wooden podium in the departmental auditorium of Washington, D.C. speaking to an official gathering. |
| 0:46.1 | At the conclusion of his remarks, the President is roundly applauded as he assumes his seat |
| 0:50.8 | within the semi-circulcircle of representatives of the brand new North Atlantic Treaty |
| 0:55.2 | Organization, or as it will come to be known, NATO. |
| 0:59.8 | The 12 flags of the founding member states stand behind them. |
| 1:04.0 | On this day, April 4, 1949, history is made. |
| 1:08.0 | A treaty is signed, aimed at protecting and ensuring peace in the world. |
| 1:13.6 | It is the first multinational alliance |
| 1:16.0 | the United States of America has ever joined during peacetime, |
| 1:19.9 | an alliance that will endure 75 years and still counting. |
| 1:28.6 | A note from your host, this podcast was recorded before the death of Russian opposition leader, anti-corruption |
| 1:34.4 | activist, and political prisoner, Alexi Nervali. Greetings you're listening to American history hit with your host Don Wildman. |
| 1:51.6 | Excellent choice. We're here with new |
| 1:53.2 | episodes every Monday and Thursday rain or shine. Thanks for showing up. The |
| 1:57.6 | North Atlantic Treaty Organization, more commonly known as NATO, is 75 years old in 2024. |
| 2:05.0 | Signed into existence by its 12 founding members, |
| 2:08.0 | United States primary among them, on April 4, 1949 in Washington, D.C. |
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