Overview
This lesson covers the reasons behind the Nazi-Soviet Pact of August 1939, explaining Stalin's motives and comparing offers from Germany and the Western powers.
Background & Stalin's Perspective
- The Nazi-Soviet Pact was a non-aggression agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union signed in August 1939.
- Stalin saw little difference between fascist Germany, Western democracies, and all capitalist states, viewing them as enemies.
- Communist theory suggested a major war between capitalist countries was inevitable, and Stalin aimed for the USSR to join the winning side.
- Stalin preferred the USSR to stay neutral initially in any global conflict and choose sides later for maximum advantage.
Diplomatic Efforts with the West
- Stalin sought alliances to secure the USSR, first approaching Germany, but was rejected in 1934.
- The USSR joined the League of Nations in 1934 to promote collective security against German aggression.
- Soviet Foreign Minister Maxim Litvinov tried to build links with Britain and France.
- Stalin became suspicious after the 1938 Munich Agreement, believing Britain and France encouraged German aggression against Russia.
Failed Western Negotiations
- In spring 1939, Litvinov proposed a three-way alliance with Britain and France, but response was slow.
- Stalin replaced Litvinov with Molotov, suspecting the West was not serious about an alliance.
- The Soviets demanded passage for troops through Poland to fight Germany, but Britain, France, and Poland refused.
- Western delegations sent only junior officials, lacking authority to finalize agreements, frustrating Soviet negotiators.
German Negotiations & The Pact
- Hitler made a direct, high-level offer to Stalin, proposing a non-aggression pact with immediate talks in Moscow.
- The secret protocol of the pact promised the USSR territories in Eastern Poland, the Baltic states, and Ukraine.
- Compared to the British and French offer, the German offer was more attractive as it avoided immediate war and offered land gains.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Nazi-Soviet Pact — A 1939 non-aggression agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union.
- Appeasement — Western policy of conceding to Hitler's demands to avoid conflict.
- Collective Security — Cooperation between countries for mutual defense, notably via the League of Nations.
- Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact — Another name for the Nazi-Soviet Pact, named after the foreign ministers.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the key reasons for Stalin's decision to sign the Nazi-Soviet Pact.
- Prepare for discussion or quiz on the diplomatic context of 1930s Europe and the impact of appeasement.