Molotov-Ribbentrop

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, also known as the Nazi-Soviet Pact, was a non-aggression treaty signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on August 23, 1939, just a week before the outbreak of World War II. The pact was named after the respective foreign ministers of the two countries at the time: Vyacheslav Molotov of the Soviet Union and Joachim von Ribbentrop of Nazi Germany.

Background

The geopolitical situation leading up to the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was characterized by growing tensions and instability in Europe. Adolf Hitler's expansionist policies had already led to the annexation of Austria and the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia, causing concern among other European powers. The Soviet Union, under Joseph Stalin, sought to avoid being dragged into a conflict with Nazi Germany and was also interested in territorial gains.

Terms of the Pact

The main provision of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was a mutual non-aggression agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union. However, the pact also contained secret protocols that defined spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, effectively dividing the region into German and Soviet spheres.

Division of Poland

One of the most significant and controversial aspects of the pact was the secret protocol that outlined the division of Poland between the two signatories. On September 1, 1939, just days after the signing of the pact, Germany invaded Poland from the west, while the Soviet Union invaded from the east on September 17, 1939. This joint invasion led to the rapid defeat of Poland and marked the beginning of World War II.

Aftermath

For the next two years, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact allowed both Germany and the Soviet Union to pursue their expansionist goals without fear of conflict with each other. However, the alliance was short-lived. On June 22, 1941, Nazi Germany violated the pact by launching Operation Barbarossa, a massive invasion of the Soviet Union.

Legacy and Controversy

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact remains a subject of controversy and historical debate. Some argue that the pact allowed Hitler to start World War II and emboldened him to undertake more aggressive actions. Others contend that the Soviet Union sought the pact to buy time to prepare for an inevitable conflict with Nazi Germany.

External Links

• Original text of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact