August 23, 1939

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Nazi-Soviet Pact included a secret protocol that outlined the division of Eastern Europe between Germany and the Soviet Union.
2. The signing of this pact stunned many observers, as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union had been ideological enemies, with one promoting fascism and the other communism.
3. The pact enabled Hitler to invade Poland without fearing a Soviet intervention, effectively leading to a coordinated attack from both sides.
4. The agreement was initially intended to last for ten years but ultimately collapsed in June 1941 when Germany invaded the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa.
5. The Nazi-Soviet Pact played a crucial role in reshaping alliances and enmities in Europe, setting off a chain reaction that would lead to widespread conflict.

Review Questions

• How did the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact on August 23, 1939, impact the geopolitical landscape of Europe?
  • The signing of the Nazi-Soviet Pact drastically changed the geopolitical landscape of Europe by ensuring that Germany would not face resistance from the Soviet Union while launching its military campaigns in Eastern Europe. This alignment allowed Hitler to focus his resources on invading Poland without worrying about a two-front war. The agreement also indicated a temporary shift in alliances, complicating international relations and foreshadowing future conflicts as it provided both powers with strategic advantages for their territorial ambitions.
• Evaluate how the Nazi-Soviet Pact facilitated the invasion of Poland and its consequences for Europe.
  • The Nazi-Soviet Pact facilitated the invasion of Poland by eliminating the risk of Soviet intervention in Germany's plans. With both nations secretly agreeing to divide Poland between them, Germany launched its invasion on September 1, 1939, followed by the Soviet invasion on September 17. This coordinated assault not only led to Poland's swift defeat but also marked the official beginning of World War II in Europe, setting off a series of events that would lead to widespread devastation across the continent.
• Assess the long-term implications of the Nazi-Soviet Pact on European politics post-World War II.
  • The long-term implications of the Nazi-Soviet Pact on European politics post-World War II were profound. The initial division of territories set forth in this agreement contributed to lingering tensions between East and West during the Cold War. As Eastern Europe fell under Soviet influence after WWII, it solidified a divide that influenced political ideologies, economic systems, and military alliances for decades. The actions taken during this period reshaped national boundaries and established patterns of governance that would define Eastern Europe throughout the latter half of the 20th century.

Related terms

Nazi Germany: The period of German history from 1933 to 1945 when Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers' Party ruled, marked by totalitarianism and aggressive expansionism.

Soviet Union: A socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991, encompassing Russia and several other republics; it was led by the Communist Party and became a major global power during this period.

Invasion of Poland: The military campaign initiated by Germany on September 1, 1939, followed by the Soviet invasion on September 17, which marked the start of World War II in Europe.