The Nazi-Soviet Pact Flashcards
When was it announced?
Late August 1939
Who signed it?
Ribbentrop (Germany) and Molotov (USSR)
What did the public see it as?
A 10-year non-aggression treaty between the nations and also an economic partnership for the trade of German manufactured goods for Russian oil.
What was the truth behind it?
It secretly agreed that Poland would be split between Germany and Russia
Why did Stalin choose to make a deal with Hitler in 1939?
1) He had been betrayed by the British and the French for years
2) Since 1933, he had been seeking closer ties with these countries to act as a buffer for Germany, nut his efforts had been useless
3) It was clear that appeasement was not working out for Neville Chamberlain and Stalin was shocked when France did nothing as Hitler sent troops to occupy the Rhineland (1936)
4) A large area of Poland would be annexed by the USSR in the event of war along with the other Baltic states
What impact did this have on the allies?
It was an unparalleled political disaster
