Warsaw Pact (historical context)

The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance formed in 1955 among the Soviet Union and Eastern European countries during the Cold War. It was created in response to West Germany joining NATO, aimed at consolidating Soviet influence and providing collective defense among communist states. The pact signified the division of Europe into East and West blocs, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. It remained active until 1991, when the Soviet Union dissolved, and several member countries shifted toward democratic governments and integration with Western institutions.