The NAZI-SOVIET PACT exam study guide 2024 with 100% correct answers

Background ever since 1933 when Hitler came to power Stalin had been concerned about the threat Germany posed. Hitler had openly stated his wish to crash communism and to gain land as lebensraum Stalin had failed to reach a lasting agreement with Britain and France in the 1930s he had to the league of Nations in 1934 but deleted sure it was toothless as Abyssinia some people in Britain thought a strong Germany would be an asset in the fight against the spread of communism Stalin signed a treaty with France in 1935 the treaty stated that France with help the USS are if Germany invaded the CV to union of Stalin was not sure particularly when France failed to stop Germany with the remilitarisation of the Rhineland ,an area on their own border Stalins concerns were increased by the Munich Agreement in 1938. He had not been invited nor consulted. He concluded that Britain and France were happy for Hitler to take land in the east The importance of the Nazi-Soviet pact for the USSR The pact gave Stalin time to build up his armed forces, which were weak. He realised that Hitler would break his promise and eventually attack the Soviet Union. Stalin also feared the threat of Japan, which would mean war on 2 fronts. The importance of Nazi-Soviet Pact for Germany The pact gave Hitler the confidence to invade Poland, knowing he would not face a war on 2 fronts. He did not believe Britain and France would go to war over Poland. This was shaken momentarily by Britain singing a formal alliance with Poland on the 25th August 1939. He assumed that Anglo-French opposition would not be any more serious than it was over Czechoslovakia Hitlers position was strengthened with Italy singing the Pact of Steel in may 1939, becoming formal allies. INVASION OF POLAND 1st September 1939 Hitler invaded Poland 17th September Soviet forces invaded from the east, occupying the Baltic States Within 3 weeks Poland had been defeated 3RD SEPTEMBER BRITAIN DECLARES WAR ON GERMANY. The Baltic States Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania The Nazi Soviet Pact On 23rd August 1939, news was announced that made war inevitable Germany and Soviet Russia had signed a 10 year non aggression pact Poland was doomed. Germany and Russia decided to split Poland between them. Stalin was interested in section of eastern Poland and wanted the previously Russian Baltic States. Why was Poland important to Hitler? Under the TOV, the "Polish Corridor" (german land) was given to Poland in order to provide an outlet to the sea and Danzig ( the port city) was put under the control of the LON. Hitler demanded the return of Danzig ( mostly german speaking ) The destruction of Poland was essential in order to invade Russia, destroy communism and acquire Lebensraum. Why did Britain and France declare war? Germany ignored ultimatums from both Britain and France demanding that the German army must be withdrawn from Poland. The poles didn't take the opportunity to negotiate with Germany over the Polish Corridor and Danzig It was clear that Germany was making a bid for European dominance. and not just establishing the principle of self-determination for german speakers. Events in Czechoslovakia had shown Hitlers real aim of domination by force. 31st March 1939 a British-French guarantee was given to Poland, promising that they would receive support and assistance if attacked. They were forced to do that as Hitler pushed them to a point where they could no longer resist. Otherwise they faced humiliation and acceptance that Germany would dominate Europe. Germany had not responded to the ultimatum to war was DECLARED