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Ask students to define the terms “alliance” and “ally.” Lead a class discussion about alliances and ask students to give examples of alliances in their peer groups, school, and community. Ask: How do those alliances benefit their members? Write their answers in a T-chart on the board.

Pose the following questions:

What are some examples from history of alliances among countries?

What benefits and challenges might participation in an alliance pose for a country?

What are some international alliances or organizations to which Canada belongs?

How can membership in an alliance lead to conflict?

What might cause an ally to turn against its own alliance and become its adversary?

Under what circumstances might you turn against an ally or join another alliance?

Explain that students will learn about Canada’s role in NATO, an international alliance of 26 member countries.

Direct students to the topic One For All: The North Atlantic Treaty Organization on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Have them listen to Clips # 1, 2, and 3 and view the sections Did You Know? and Story. As they listen to the clips, they should record answers to the following questions, which are also available on the download sheet The NATO Alliance.

1. After the Second World War, what was the new threat to global stability?
2. What former allies became adversaries? Explain why they became enemies.
3. Why did countries have to meet in secret to discuss the possibility of forming a new alliance?
4. According to Article 1 of the treaty, what is the guiding principle of NATO?
5. Why is Article 2 of the treaty sometimes referred to as the Canadian Article?
6. What does Article 2 state?
7. Article 5 is considered to be “one of the most crucial points in the treaty.” What obligation does this article outline?
8. What was the Canadian public’s perception of NATO when it was originally formed?

As a class, have students share their findings. Then present the following statement by then Minister of External Affairs Lester B. Pearson about Canada’s obligations as a member of NATO: “We will work together in peace and stand together in danger.” Tell students to analyze the statement and write a paragraph or create a political cartoon in response.

Ask students if they think Canada’s participation as a founding member of NATO was justified. Why or why not? Have them suggest other solutions to the problem of maintaining global stability.