Core Notes 29

What were Germany’s relations with Russia/USSR?

Introduction:

• After 1917 revolution in Russia and 1918 revolution in Germany, two former enemies took v. different political paths.

• Russia, later the USSR (1922) became world’s first communist state → rights of individual subordinated to those of the state.

• Germany = democratic system of govt. Which guaranteed individual freedom.

• Germany had large Communist Party, campaigning for close links with the USSR

• But most Germans opposed to Communist political system.

Similarities between Post-War Germany and Russia:

• Both outcast nations in early 1920s.

• Both countries militarily defeated in the war

• Both countries suffered from punitive and revengeful peace treaties

• Both countries felt existence of independent Poland, supported by French guarantees, was a threat to their security.

• Poland also contained large German and Russian minorities.

• Both Germany and Russia/USSR treated as ‘outcast’ nations by victorious powers + not allowed to join League of Nations.

Treaty of Rapallo:

• Similarities led some in Germany to see advantages in closer working relationship with Russia/USSR.

• Mutual self-interest brought to nations together.

• Among these was Walther Rathenau who, in April 1922, negotiated the Treaty of Rapallo with Russia.

• Treaty of Rapallo = not an alliance and terms strictly limited to restoration of diplomatic relations and to economic co-operation.

• But did mark an end to Germany’s diplomatic isolation.

• Terms of Treaty of Rapallo:

• Germany and Russia resumed trade and economic cooperation.

• Diplomatic relations between Germany and Russia restored.

• All outstanding claims for compensation for war damage were dropped.

• Germany allowed to develop new weapons and train pilots in Russia, away from the scrutiny of Allied Powers.

• The Treaty didn’t specify cooperation between Germany and Russia against Poland but this was clearly implied in the existence of the treaty.

• Therefore, for Germany, the Treaty of Rapallo was important but symbolic step away from post-war isolation.

• However, allies, particularly France, were angered by treaty as it showed Germany’s intention to get around disarmament terms of Treaty of Versailles and refusal to accept eastern frontier with Poland.

Treaty of Berlin:

• Although Stresemann viewed friendship with West as his priority, was also determined to stay on goof terms with USSR + not prepared to drop Treaty of Rapallo.

• Indeed in April 1926 → Germany and USSR renewed earlier treaty in Treaty of Berlin

• Added very little to Treaty of Rapallo except for the agreement that Germany would remain neutral if the USSR were to be involved in a war, as long as the USSR was not the aggressor.

• Treaty of Berlin = signed year after Locarno Pact and showed that, despite agreement to guarantee Germany’s western frontiers, Stresemann hadn’t abandoned his desire to secure revision of Germany’s eastern frontiers.

• To achieve this, a close relationship with USSR= vital because the USSR would resist any border changes it didn’t agree with.

• Should not be seen as double-dealing by Stresemann but simply recognition that Germany’s defence needs in the heart of europe required cooperation with both the East and West.

• Treaty with USSR reduced strategic fears on Germany’s Eastern front and placed more pressure on Poland to give way to German demands for frontier changes.

• Also opened up possibility of large commercial market + increased military cooperation.