How did the Nazi-Soviet Pact lead to WW2? Flashcards
What was the Nazi-Soviet Pact?
The Nazi-Soviet Pact was a non-aggression pact signed in August 1939, between Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany. It agreed that both countries wouldn’t go to war, and they secretly agreed to partition Polish territory between them.
Why did Germany sign the pact?
1) Hitler didn’t want opposition from the USSR while Germany invaded Poland.
2) Hitler didn’t want war on two fronts - USSR on the east and Britain and France on the west.
3) Hitler wanted to deal with the threat from Britain and France and secure the Polish territory before entering into a war with the USSR.
Why did Russia sign the pact?
1) He mistrusted Britain and France and didn’t believe they would protect the USSR from Germany, especially after the Soviet Union was excluded from the Munich Conference.
2) He hoped that war between Germany, Britain and France would give the USSR time to build up its army and strengthen its defences.
3) He hoped to gain Polish territory.
When did the Nazi-Soviet Pact end?
The pact was ended on the 22nd June 1941 by the Germans when they invaded the USSR.
How did the Nazi-Soviet Pact lead to WW2?
1) Hitler invaded Poland in September 1939, the Nazi-Soviet Pact made this possible as both nations agreed to take Polish territory.
2) The Nazi-Soviet Pact made international conflict inevitable as it allowed Hitler to invade Poland, and Britain and France agreed to support Poland if Germany invaded. Therefore, Britain declaring war on Germany and beginning WW2.
Why was the Nazi-Soviet Pact a surprise?
Russia was a communist country and Hitler hated communism and wanted to destroy it, but he still made an agreement with Russia.
