What was NATO's primary role from 1949 to 1991?

NATO's primary role from 1949 to 1991 was indeed as a US-led pact against the Soviet Union. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was established following World War II during a time of rising tension and rivalry between Western powers and the Soviet bloc. The main purpose of NATO was to provide collective defense against potential aggression from the Soviet Union, which was perceived as a significant threat to the security of its member countries.

The alliance was based on the principle of collective security, enshrined in Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which states that an armed attack against one or more members is considered an attack against them all. This mutual defense commitment was intended to deter Soviet expansionism in Europe, particularly in light of events such as the Berlin Blockade and the Korean War, which heightened fears of Soviet military intentions.

While NATO has engaged in various missions and operations over the years, including peacekeeping and crisis management, its core function during the Cold War era was primarily focused on countering the threat posed by the Soviet Union, affirming its significance as a military alliance during that period.