Nazi-Soviet Pact and the Bolsheviks

Flashcards about the Nazi-Soviet Pact and related topics, based on lecture notes.

Nazi-Soviet Pact

A non-aggression treaty signed on August 23, 1939, between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, allowing them to expand territories without conflict until Germany invaded the Soviet Union in June 1941.

Bolsheviks

A radical faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party (RSDLP), led by Vladimir Lenin, who formed the communist party that created the USSR.

Tsar Nicholas II

The last emperor of Russia, King of Congress Poland, and Great Duke of Finland, whose poor leadership during World War I and internal issues led to his overthrow.

Vladimir Lenin

Leader of the Bolshevik Revolution and first head of Soviet Russia, known for being a sensible leader.

Joseph Stalin

Dictator of the Soviet Union after Lenin, known for being a violent leader responsible for many deaths.

Aims of the Nazi-Soviet Pact: Territorial Expansion

To split Eastern Europe, allowing both Germany and the Soviet Union to gain control over more land.

Aims of the Nazi-Soviet Pact: Non-Aggression

To ensure Germany and the Soviet Union would not attack each other, enabling them to focus on their own objectives.

Aims of the Nazi-Soviet Pact: Delay Conflict

To provide both countries time to prepare for potential future wars, especially for the Soviet Union to strengthen its defenses against Germany.

Aims of the Nazi-Soviet Pact: Strategic Advantage

To establish a temporary alliance that would help both sides avoid immediate conflict while pursuing their plans, primarily concerning Poland.

How the Bolsheviks rose to power

The Bolsheviks rose to power in 1917 with the aim of spreading communism and initially allied with Germany.

Germany's alliance with the Bolsheviks

Germany allied with the Bolsheviks to avoid a two-front war and facilitate the invasion of Poland.

Germany's invasion of Russia

Germany invaded Russia to eliminate the communist threat and acquire mainland territory for permanent German settlement thus ending the Nazi-Soviet Pact.

Impact of the Nazi-Soviet Pact on WWII

The pact enabled Germany's aggression by neutralizing the USSR, leading to the invasion of Poland and subsequently, World War II.

Assessment of the Nazi-Soviet Pact

The pact is seen as blameworthy due to its contribution to Nazi Germany's aggression, the invasion of Poland, and the outbreak of WWII, leading to significant humanitarian suffering.