The Hitler-Russia Agreement: A Pact Born out of Desperation?
The Hitler-Russia Agreement, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was a non-aggression treaty signed by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on August 23, 1939. It was a shocking move, especially for Western powers who had been led to believe that the Soviet Union was a staunch opponent of Nazi Germany. However, the pact served both countries` interests at the time, though it ultimately led to one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history.
What led to the Hitler-Russia Agreement?
For Nazi Germany, the pact was an attempt to secure its eastern flank before it could launch a war in the West. Hitler`s ultimate goal was to expand Germany`s borders and create a vast empire in Europe, but he knew that the Soviet Union posed a serious military threat. Therefore, he decided to buy time by signing a non-aggression treaty with the Soviet Union, which would take away the threat of a two-front war.
The Soviet Union, on the other hand, signed the pact out of desperation. The country was facing a serious economic crisis, and Stalin knew that he needed time to strengthen the Soviet Union`s military and industrial capabilities. Stalin also believed that the pact would discourage the United Kingdom and France from forming an anti-Soviet alliance, as they had done during the Russian Civil War.
What were the terms of the Hitler-Russia Agreement?
The pact contained two secret protocols, which were not revealed until after the war. The first protocol agreed to the division of Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, with Germany getting the Baltic States, Finland, and parts of Romania, while the Soviet Union got the rest of Poland, and the Baltic States. The second protocol outlined the potential division of territories in the Balkans.
What were the consequences of the Hitler-Russia Agreement?
The Hitler-Russia Agreement gave Hitler the green light to invade Poland in September 1939, which triggered the start of World War II. The Soviet Union took advantage of Germany`s involvement in the West to annex the Baltic States and parts of Romania. However, the Hitler-Russia Agreement did not last long as Hitler ultimately broke the pact by launching a surprise invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941.
Conclusion
The Hitler-Russia Agreement was a controversial treaty that shook the world in 1939. It allowed Hitler to launch his war of conquest in Europe and gave the Soviet Union time to strengthen its military capabilities. However, it ultimately led to one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history, which claimed countless lives and devastated Europe. Today, the Hitler-Russia Agreement serves as a reminder of how desperation and political expediency can lead to disastrous consequences.
