Question

Why did the superpowers have military alliances with smaller countries? Give three reasons.

Answer 1

The superpowers formed military alliances with smaller countries because of the following reasons:

a. Control over vital resources - The smaller countries like those located in the Middle East were a source of vital resources such as oil and minerals, which would be beneficial for the superpowers to develop arsenals and to wage a war.
b. Location - The superpowers formed alliances with such small countries, which were nearby the other, so that they could spy and keep an eye on each other’s development.
c. Control over territory - The superpowers could establish control over the territories of smaller nations, which would enable them to mobilise troops and launch weapons against their adversaries.
d. Economic support - The small countries were regarded as an economic support, i.e. at times of need, the small allies could collectively help pay for military expenses.
e. Ideological influence - The superpowers also wanted to spread their ideological influence by forming alliances with smaller nations.