North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Truman did not want to engage in another war; however, he was also not ready to hand over Berlin to the Soviets. He opted for what became known as the Berlin Airlift, where supplies were transported by planes. After fifteen months, the Soviets conceded to the United States in May 1949.
Milk being supplied to Berlin from the U.S.
Another significant event in the war against communism came in April 1949 when the United States, along with ten other nations, formed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The United States had hoped the United Nations would serve as a solution to postwar issues. However, shortly after its inception, it became clear that it would not. With NATO came a vow that an attack against another member would be seen as an attack against all. This principle or theory was also referred to as collective security.
Map of countries belonging to NATO and Warsaw
The Soviets responded to NATO with the creation of the Warsaw Pact in 1955. The Warsaw Pact was a military alliance with allied nations in Europe.