The Nazi-Soviet Pact

Origins of the Nazi-Soviet Pact

· Aug 1939: Nazi Soviet Pact signed by German + Soviet ministers, Ribbentrop + Molotov
· 1939: Clear Europe was going towards war
· Hitler - committed to the invasion of Poland but didn't want to fight a British, France and Soviet alliance in support of Poland.
· Stalin - didn't want a two-front war against Germany + Japan but wanted GJI (fascists) to fight against the BF (capitalists), leaving the SU safely neutral.

Why was the pact beneficial for Hitler?

· For Hitler - making a deal w Stalin allowed him to invade Poland + gave Germany raw materials from Russia.

How did the change of Foreign minister from Litvinov to Molotov lead to the Nazi-Soviet pact?

· Litvinov was deeply suspicious of Germany + favored collective security against fascism whereas Molotov favored improved relations with Germany.

Outcomes of the Nazi-Soviet Pact

· Gave Stalin protection from war against Germany at a time when the USSR was militarily weak - e.g. the Winter War.
· Gave him breathing space he wanted in order to focus on internal affairs
· Enabled territorial gains for the USSR + destruction of Poland
· Allowed Stalin to seize control of the Baltic States, Estonia etc.
· Would cause BFG to become economically + militarily exhausted

What was Stalin's first miscalculation?

· Miscalculated the strength of the French Army, and the nature of modern warfare.
· Believed that the war would last for years like WW1 + didn't expect France to fall (1940) so quickly.
· Put Hitler in complete control of Western Europe, making Germany not weakened/exhausted but stronger than ever.

What was Stalin's second miscalculation?

· Trusting Hitler.
· June 1940: Stalin followed the terms of the Nazi - Soviet Pact - e.g. trade agreements were further developed.
· However by Oct 1940, Hitler had already begun preparing to invade the USSR in 1941.
· Allied intelligence had picked up evidence of this + sent private warnings to Stalin, but he refused to believe them.
· June 1941: Germany invaded + the Soviet Union was badly prepared.

What was the Winter War + when did it begin?

· Nov 1939: Soviet forces invaded Finland
· Initially the war went badly for the USSR, despite larger forces
· March 1940: Peace agreement signed in Moscow (10% of Finland territory was given to the USSR).
· Early indication that promises made by Hitler were not going to be fulfilled as Stalin hasn't being given Finland.