07 History: Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact


—1939——


April ‘39 :

  • USSR, Br. and Fr. met to form an alliance to defend Poland

    • they thought it would be Hitler’s next target

  • Chamberlain promised to defend Poland

    • however, Br. was too far away and only had a small army.


Stalin (PM of USSR) suggested the alliance.

→ Hitler would not invade Poland if that brought him directly into war with USSR.


Negotiations Dragged to August :

  • Chamberlain disliked communism. (making a deal with Stalin)

  • Poland would never allow Russian troops to enter.

    • Poland trusts Russians less than Germans (historical: was attacked by the Russian Empire)

  • Stalin had no faith that Br. and Fr. would resist Germany if war between Germany and USSR broke out.


One Day After Talk Broke Down : Britain, France and USSR

  • German Foreign Minister (von Ribbentrop) visited Stalin.


24th August 1939 :

  • Nazi-Soviet Pact was signed.

    • publicly stipulates non-aggression for 10 years (temporary “friends”)

    • makes economic agreements


Secret Protocol :

  • Both countries agreed to aiding each other if there was a war against Poland.

  • Agreed to share out Eastern Europe with Germany taking half of Poland and USSR taking the other half.

    • as well as:

      • Finland

      • Lithuania

      • Estonia

      • Latvia


Reasons for Signing the Pact :


Germany : Practical Reasons

  • could avoid war on 2 fronts

    • felt that this was what led to Germany’s defeat in WW1

      → Germany’s not ready to fight USSR

  • knew Britain and France were too far away from Poland

    → USSR was Germany’s only threat in the invasion


USSR : Practical Reasons

  • Stalin needed time to rearm

    • when Hitler eventually invaded USSR

      → not ready: purges

  • would’ve gone to war with Germany earlier if he allied with Br. and Fr.

    • if allied with Hitler :

      • not have to fight Germany

      • obtain half of Poland



Impact on Britain :

  • Ended Britain’s hope of an alliance with USSR

    • only way to stop Hitler is an all-out war.

  • Support of the British people towards the war effort grew :

    • The people realised Hitler could never be trusted.