Fiveable
Fiveable
start studying now
start studying now
European History – 1890 to 1945
Unit 10 Overview: The Road to World War II
10.1 German Expansionism and the Anschluss
10.2 The Munich Agreement and the Failure of Appeasement
10.3 The Nazi-Soviet Pact and the Invasion of Poland

💣european history – 1890 to 1945 review

10.3 The Nazi-Soviet Pact and the Invasion of Poland

Last Updated on August 1, 2024

The Nazi-Soviet Pact shocked the world. Two sworn enemies, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, joined forces in a non-aggression treaty. This unexpected alliance reshaped Europe's political landscape and set the stage for World War II.

The pact's secret protocol divided Eastern Europe between Hitler and Stalin. It gave both leaders free rein to invade neighboring countries. This deal paved the way for Germany's invasion of Poland, sparking global conflict and forever changing history.

Nazi-Soviet Pact: An Unexpected Alliance

Ideological Contrasts and Strategic Motivations

Top images from around the web for Ideological Contrasts and Strategic Motivations

  • Operation Barbarossa - Wikipedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Occupation of Poland (1939–45) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Operation Barbarossa - Wikipedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Ideological Contrasts and Strategic Motivations

  • Operation Barbarossa - Wikipedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Occupation of Poland (1939–45) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

  • Operation Barbarossa - Wikipedia View original

    Is this image relevant?

1 of 3
  • Nazi Germany and Soviet Union alliance defied expectations due to stark ideological differences between fascism and communism
  • Both nations sought territorial expansion and influence in Eastern Europe created shared interest in cooperation
  • Germany aimed to avoid two-front war when invading Poland allowing focus on Western Europe
  • Soviet Union viewed pact as opportunity for military preparation and expansion into Baltic states and Eastern Poland
  • Failure of Britain and France to form strong anti-German coalition with Soviet Union pushed Stalin towards agreement with Hitler
  • Economic considerations played role (Germany sought Soviet raw materials, USSR desired German industrial technology)

Mutual Benefits and Concessions

  • Non-aggression pact provided security guarantees for both parties
  • Germany gained access to vital Soviet resources (oil, grain) to sustain war effort
  • Soviet Union received German military technology and industrial equipment
  • Pact allowed both nations to delay direct confrontation and prepare for future conflict
  • Agreement included provisions for cultural and scientific exchanges (academic collaborations, art exhibitions)

Division of Eastern Europe: The Secret Protocol

Territorial Partitioning

  • Secret protocol divided Eastern Europe into German and Soviet "spheres of influence"
  • Poland partitioned along Narew, Vistula, and San rivers (Germany taking western portion, Soviet Union eastern part)
  • Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) assigned to Soviet sphere of influence
  • Lithuania's Vilnius region initially allocated to Germany later transferred to Soviet control
  • Protocol addressed future of Romania particularly fate of Bessarabia (Soviet interest)
  • Agreement allowed both powers to invade and occupy respective territories without interference

Long-term Implications

  • Soviet Union denied existence of secret protocol until 1989 impacting post-war politics and historiography
  • Division of Eastern Europe set stage for future conflicts and tensions (Cold War division of Europe)
  • Protocol's revelation in 1989 led to reassessment of World War II narratives and Soviet role
  • Partitioning created lasting territorial disputes and ethnic tensions in affected regions
  • Agreement undermined sovereignty of smaller nations in Eastern Europe (Poland, Baltic states)

German Invasion of Poland: The Start of WWII

Blitzkrieg Tactics and Polish Defense

  • German invasion of Poland (Fall Weiss) began September 1, 1939 marking start of World War II in Europe
  • Blitzkrieg tactics employed combining rapid armored thrusts with air support
  • Polish military equipment and strategy outdated leading to swift defeat despite brave resistance
  • Siege of Warsaw became symbol of Polish resistance and brutality of modern warfare
  • Soviet Union invaded eastern Poland on September 17, 1939 in accordance with secret protocol
  • Invasion resulted in partition of Poland between Nazi Germany and Soviet Union erasing Polish state

International Reactions and Consequences

  • Invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939
  • Polish government-in-exile established in London continuing resistance efforts
  • German occupation of Poland marked by severe repression and implementation of Nazi racial policies
  • Invasion exposed weaknesses in European security arrangements and League of Nations
  • Poland's defeat led to establishment of Polish Underground State and Home Army (largest resistance movement in occupied Europe)

British and French Response: Declaration of War

Initial Reactions and Military Preparations

  • Britain and France issued ultimatums to Germany demanding withdrawal from Polish territory
  • Upon Germany's refusal Britain and France declared war on September 3, 1939
  • Limited military action taken to assist Poland directly period known as "Phoney War" or "Sitzkrieg"
  • Allied powers' failure to launch significant western offensive allowed Germany to concentrate on Polish campaign
  • Britain and France began mobilizing armed forces and economies for prolonged conflict
  • Response marked shift from appeasement to active opposition of German aggression

Global Implications and War Efforts

  • Allied declaration transformed conflict from localized invasion into global confrontation
  • Britain implemented naval blockade of Germany to disrupt supply lines and economy
  • France reinforced Maginot Line and positioned troops along German border
  • Both nations accelerated rearmament programs and increased military production
  • Diplomatic efforts intensified to secure alliances and support from neutral countries
  • Public opinion in Britain and France shifted towards acceptance of necessity of war

Key Terms to Review (18)

Joseph Stalin: Joseph Stalin was the leader of the Soviet Union from the mid-1920s until his death in 1953, known for his totalitarian rule, rapid industrialization, and brutal purges. His policies transformed the Soviet Union into a major world power but at a tremendous cost, including widespread repression and significant human suffering.
Appeasement: Appeasement is the diplomatic policy of making concessions to an aggressor in order to maintain peace and stability. This approach is often associated with the pre-World War II strategies of European powers who sought to prevent conflict by allowing aggressive actions, particularly by fascist states like Germany and Italy, to go unchallenged. While it aimed to avoid war, appeasement is criticized for enabling further aggression and ultimately contributing to the outbreak of World War II.
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was a non-aggression treaty signed on August 23, 1939, between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. This agreement not only pledged both countries to avoid military conflict with each other but also included secret protocols dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, directly setting the stage for the invasion of Poland. The pact shocked many observers as it brought together two ideologically opposed regimes and played a crucial role in the events leading up to World War II.
Soviet Sphere of Influence: The Soviet sphere of influence refers to the geopolitical area in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia that came under the control or significant influence of the Soviet Union after World War II. This sphere was characterized by the establishment of communist governments, military alliances, and economic dependence on Moscow, which shaped the political landscape of the region during the Cold War.
August 23, 1939: August 23, 1939, marks the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which was a non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. This agreement allowed both powers to avoid conflict with each other while secretly planning to divide Eastern Europe, which ultimately set the stage for the invasion of Poland and the beginning of World War II. The pact showcased the temporary alignment of two ideologically opposed regimes and significantly altered the geopolitical landscape of Europe at the time.
September 1, 1939: September 1, 1939, marks the date when Germany invaded Poland, signaling the official start of World War II in Europe. This invasion was facilitated by the Nazi-Soviet Pact, which allowed Germany to launch a surprise attack on Poland without fear of Soviet intervention, dramatically altering the geopolitical landscape and initiating a brutal conflict that would engulf much of the world.
Eastern front: The eastern front refers to the theater of conflict during World War I and World War II that took place primarily between Germany and Austria-Hungary on one side, and Russia, and later the Soviet Union, on the other. It was characterized by significant military operations, large-scale battles, and devastating human loss, highlighting the brutal nature of warfare in these periods.
Encirclement: Encirclement refers to a military tactic in which an enemy force is surrounded by hostile forces, cutting off their escape routes and supplies. This strategy aims to isolate the enemy, rendering them vulnerable to attack and often leading to their defeat. Encirclement played a crucial role in the unfolding events leading up to and during World War II, especially with the dynamics between major powers and their strategic decisions.
Non-Aggression Pact: A non-aggression pact is an agreement between two or more nations to abstain from military action against each other for a specified period. This term is crucial in understanding the dynamics of World War II, particularly the Nazi-Soviet Pact, which allowed both Germany and the Soviet Union to expand their territories without fear of conflict between themselves, setting the stage for the invasion of Poland and the subsequent outbreak of war in Europe.
September Campaign: The September Campaign refers to the military operations conducted by Germany against Poland in September 1939, marking the beginning of World War II in Europe. This campaign was characterized by the use of blitzkrieg tactics, which emphasized rapid movement and overwhelming force, allowing German forces to quickly conquer Polish territory and effectively dismantle the Polish army.
Invasion of Poland: The Invasion of Poland occurred in September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, marking the beginning of World War II in Europe. This military campaign was characterized by the swift use of Blitzkrieg tactics, which emphasized speed and surprise, and was facilitated by the secret protocols of the Nazi-Soviet Pact that allowed for the division of Polish territory between Germany and the Soviet Union.
Partition of Poland: The Partition of Poland refers to a series of three territorial divisions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in the late 18th century, carried out by the Russian Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia, and the Habsburg Monarchy. This process resulted in the complete dissolution of Poland as an independent state by 1795, which significantly influenced the geopolitical landscape in Europe leading up to World War II, particularly in relation to the Nazi-Soviet Pact and the subsequent invasion of Poland in 1939.
Nazi-Soviet Pact: The Nazi-Soviet Pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was a treaty signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on August 23, 1939, in which both countries agreed to non-aggression and outlined their spheres of influence in Eastern Europe. This pact was significant as it allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention, leading to the start of World War II. It also laid the groundwork for subsequent military operations on the Eastern Front and reflected the shifting alliances in Europe during this turbulent period.
Axis Powers: The Axis Powers were a coalition of countries led primarily by Germany, Italy, and Japan during World War II, united by their opposition to the Allies. This alliance sought to expand their territories and impose fascist ideologies, ultimately leading to large-scale conflict and devastation across Europe and Asia. The relationships among these nations were characterized by military cooperation, aggressive expansionism, and a shared interest in challenging the status quo established by the post-World War I treaties.
Totalitarianism: Totalitarianism is a political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life. This system often emerges during periods of crisis, leading to the establishment of a single-party rule that suppresses opposition and controls the economy, media, education, and culture to maintain power and create a unified national identity.
Fascism: Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian political ideology that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by dictatorial power, extreme nationalism, and suppression of political opposition. It promotes a centralized, autocratic government led by a dictatorial leader and often uses propaganda and violence to maintain control and promote its ideals.
Blitzkrieg: Blitzkrieg, meaning 'lightning war' in German, refers to a military strategy employed by the Nazis during World War II characterized by fast-moving and coordinated attacks using infantry, tanks, and air support. This approach aimed to quickly overwhelm the enemy, leading to rapid victories and minimizing prolonged combat.
Adolf Hitler: Adolf Hitler was the leader of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party) and the Chancellor of Germany from 1933 to 1945. He is known for establishing a totalitarian regime, promoting aggressive nationalism, and implementing policies that led to World War II and the Holocaust, making him a central figure in 20th-century European history.
Back
Glossary
Next