The primary reason for the creation of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) in 1949 was to provide collective security against the threat posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War. NATO was established as a military alliance among Western democracies, uniting member states in a mutual defense agreement. This meant that an armed attack against one member would be considered an attack against all. The formation of NATO aimed to deter Soviet expansion in Europe and to promote political stability among its member nations, thus ensuring peace and security in the North Atlantic region during a time of significant geopolitical tension.