Stalin's international relations - 2nd part of content (so far only done Franco-Soviet Pact and Czech-Soviet Pact)

When did the USSR negotiate a non-aggression pact with Poland and why?

December 1932, Stalin was trying to seek more allies, especially with the danger of the rise of Hitler (although he was still maintaining positive relations with Germany, still felt it wise to find other allies as well)

When was the non-aggression pact with Poland altered and how?>

1934, made into a ten-year agreement

What was the basis of the Franco-Soviet Pact of Mutual Assistance?

The non-aggression pact signed with Fr in November 1932

When was the Franco-Soviet Pact of Mutual Assistance signed?

May 1935

Why were the Fr a willing partner in Russia’s new diplomatic approach?

They were worried about the rise of Nazism, especially with the announcement of German rearmament in March 1935 (although the treaty w/ Russia had already started negotiations by that point)

What did the Franco-Soviet Treaty say in terms of attack?

The two countries promised to protect each other if there was an attack from Nazi Germany

What was the Franco-Soviet Treaty vague on?

The circumstances in which it would be activated, had no terms about military co-operation

Why were many spectators in the West sceptical about the Treaty?

They felt it was a rather hollow attempt, even if it theoretically threatened two-front war against Germany

How did Hitler react to the Franco-Soviet Pact?

He manipulated the situation, calling it an act of aggression and it prompted him to send his troops into the Rhineland, a violation of the ToVersailles

What about the geographic location of Fr and Russia were significant when it came to the Pact?

The Pact enveloped Germany

When was the Czechoslovak-Soviet Treaty signed>

May 1935 (after treaty w/ Fr)

What was significant about the relationship between Fr and Czechslovakia (perhaps why Fr had a role in persuading them to sign the Cz treaty and why Fr was mentioned in the terms of the Cz treaty)?

Fr was Cz’s main ally

What did the Czechoslovak-Soviet Treaty say?

That the USSR would intervene militarily if Cz was attacked by ‘a third party’ (Germany) as long as Fr did too

Which two countries encouraged Cz to sign the treaty

France and Britain

How did Litvinov facilitate the Cz treaty?

His smooth diplomacy facilitated the process

How did Stalin try to ensure the two pacts were signed?

He put pressure on the Fr Communist Party to support the treaties