Significance of the Nazi Soviet Non Aggression Pact
The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was extremely significant in regards to the outbreak of war in Europe in 1939, however there were several other factors that also led to the outbreak of WWII. These factors include; the allied policy of appeasement, the failure the League of Nations and Collective Security and the aggressive nature of Nazi and Italian foreign policy.
The signing of the 1939 Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was extremely significant in regards to the outbreak of war in Europe. Both Germany and Russia possessed considerable motives for signing the pact.
From the time of ‘Mein Kampf’ Hitler had outwardly expressed his desire to move toward Russia in his quest for ‘Lebensraum,’ however in 1939, it was beneficial for him to form a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union. The signing of the pact allowed for Hitler to focus his efforts on the West and deal with the East later, in Hitler’s words, “Everything I undertake is directed at Russia…after (the West’s) defeat (I will) turn all my concerted force against the Soviet Union.” In focusing on the West, Hitler aimed to invade Poland, and the Non-Aggression Pact gave him the green light to do so.
Prior to its signing, Hitler feared that an invasion of Poland would result in a two front war, with Britain and France in the West and Russia in the East, something that had been detrimental to the German army in WWI. According to William Carr, “At the stroke of a pen he had ended Germany's fear of a war on two fronts and in the event of an allied blockade had ensured supplies of essential raw materials from the east.”
The elimination of Russia as a potential protector of Poland also facilitated a quicker defeat.
The pact also provided Stalin with many benefits. Russia had already signed several agreements with countries such as Italy and Estonia; therefore the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact gave Russia added security. The fundamental aim of Stalin was to avert war for as long as possible as after the
The signing of the 1939 Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was extremely significant in regards to the outbreak of war in Europe. Both Germany and Russia possessed considerable motives for signing the pact.
From the time of ‘Mein Kampf’ Hitler had outwardly expressed his desire to move toward Russia in his quest for ‘Lebensraum,’ however in 1939, it was beneficial for him to form a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union. The signing of the pact allowed for Hitler to focus his efforts on the West and deal with the East later, in Hitler’s words, “Everything I undertake is directed at Russia…after (the West’s) defeat (I will) turn all my concerted force against the Soviet Union.” In focusing on the West, Hitler aimed to invade Poland, and the Non-Aggression Pact gave him the green light to do so.
Prior to its signing, Hitler feared that an invasion of Poland would result in a two front war, with Britain and France in the West and Russia in the East, something that had been detrimental to the German army in WWI. According to William Carr, “At the stroke of a pen he had ended Germany's fear of a war on two fronts and in the event of an allied blockade had ensured supplies of essential raw materials from the east.”
The elimination of Russia as a potential protector of Poland also facilitated a quicker defeat.
The pact also provided Stalin with many benefits. Russia had already signed several agreements with countries such as Italy and Estonia; therefore the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact gave Russia added security. The fundamental aim of Stalin was to avert war for as long as possible as after the