Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the establishment date of NATO, which stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
NATO was founded in the aftermath of World War II to provide collective security against the threat of Soviet expansion. The founding treaty, known as the North Atlantic Treaty or the Washington Treaty, was signed in Washington, D.C. The organization was created to serve as a system of collective defense, where its member states agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party.
The treaty was signed on April 4, 1949. The twelve original founding members were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established on April 4, 1949.