Chocolate covered pretzels and other early strategic alliances

Possibly the 1st Strategic Alliance:

Back in 1544 – Over 479 years ago: German baker Herr Franz Joseph Leibniz is given credit for the invention of chocolate covered pretzels, when he decided to partner up with a chocolatier in their neighborhood in Hamburg rather than make the chocolate himself.

Self-sufficiency is expressed within the cultural context of selective cooperation. This is an interesting lens through which to view strategic alliances, and the nature of the relationship between the parties.
Possibly the most famous example of a strategic alliance comes from the Wizard of Oz- would they have made it alone?