NATO 1948

The narrative centers on the pivotal year of 1948, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy as it moved from isolationism to forming a military alliance with ten European nations. Kaplan meticulously details the contentious negotiations leading to the North Atlantic Treaty signed in 1949, showcasing the diverse diplomats and politicians involved. Utilizing a rich array of primary sources, he reveals how the U.S. embraced international commitments after a century and a half of avoidance, resulting in a lasting alliance that reshaped transatlantic relations.