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Why Germany and Russia Made the Agreement: A Historical and Geopolitical Analysis
On August 23, 1939, the foreign ministers of Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia signed a non-aggression pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which shocked the world and paved the way for the outbreak of World War II. The agreement included secret protocols that partitioned Poland and other Eastern European countries between the two powers, while granting Russia a free hand in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Bessarabia. The pact also allowed Hitler to concentrate his forces on the Western front and postpone a conflict with Russia, which he saw as a potential ally or at least a neutral neighbor.
The reasons behind this pact have been debated by historians and politicians for decades, as well as the morality and legality of its consequences. Some have argued that the pact was a cynical and opportunistic maneuver by two totalitarian regimes that aimed to expand their spheres of influence and crush their enemies. Others have argued that the pact was a pragmatic and realistic response to the threats and interests of both sides, given the context of the time and the limitations of diplomacy.
To understand why Germany and Russia made the agreement, we need to consider several factors that influenced their decision-making and behavior. These factors range from ideology and domestic politics to geography and security concerns. Let`s review some of them:
1. History: Germany and Russia had a long and complicated history of relations, marked by wars, alliances, and rivalries. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they competed for influence in the Balkans, the Ottoman Empire, and Persia. During World War I, Russia was one of Germany`s main enemies, and after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, Germany supported anti-communist forces in Russia. The Treaty of Versailles that ended the war imposed harsh penalties on Germany and weakened its economy and morale. Meanwhile, Russia was beset by civil war, famine, and foreign intervention. Both nations felt humiliated and resentful of the Western powers that had imposed their will on them.
2. Ideology: Germany under Hitler espoused a racist and expansionist ideology that saw the Aryan race as superior and the Slavs as subhuman. Russia under Stalin promoted a communist and internationalist ideology that aimed to spread socialism worldwide and eliminate capitalist enemies. Both ideologies were hostile to liberal democracy, human rights, and international law. Both regimes fostered a cult of personality around their leaders and used propaganda, censorship, and repression to control their populations. Both regimes also had conflicting interests and ambitions, as Germany sought to dominate Europe and Russia sought to secure its borders and extend its influence in Asia.
3. Geopolitics: Germany and Russia were located at the opposite ends of Europe and had different geographical advantages and challenges. Germany had a strong army, a developed industry, and a central location that allowed it to project power in all directions. However, Germany had also a vulnerable eastern flank that exposed it to Russian attacks and encirclement. Russia had a vast territory, a large population, and a formidable army, but it lacked modernization, infrastructure, and access to warm-water ports. Russia also faced threats from Japan in the Far East and Finland in the North. Russia needed a buffer zone between it and Germany to prevent a repeat of the devastating wars of the past.
4. Diplomacy: Germany and Russia had engaged in diplomatic exchanges before the pact, but they had not found a common ground that satisfied both sides. Germany had approached Russia in 1936 and 1938, offering trade and political concessions, but Russia had rejected them, partly due to its fear of betraying its communist allies. Russia had also signed a mutual assistance pact with France and Czechoslovakia in May 1935, aimed at countering German aggression. However, this pact proved ineffective in deterring Germany from annexing Austria and occupying the Sudetenland in 1938. Russia felt isolated and vulnerable, and saw a chance to secure its western borders by making a deal with Germany.
5. Timing: Germany and Russia made the pact at a critical moment in their history, when they faced complex and uncertain challenges. Germany had just strengthened its alliance with Italy and Japan, forming the Axis powers, and was preparing for a possible war with Britain and France over Poland. Russia had just concluded a border conflict with Japan in September 1939, which had stretched its military resources and exposed its weaknesses. Russia had also attempted to negotiate a collective security pact with Britain and France, but had encountered doubts and delays. Russia saw a chance to divide and weaken the Western powers by befriending Germany and securing its eastern front.
Taking into account these factors, we can see why Germany and Russia made the agreement, and how it served their short-term and long-term interests. Germany avoided a two-front war and gained time to build up its forces and conquer Poland. Russia gained a buffer zone, a share of Polish territory, and a neutral or friendly neighbor for the time being. Both countries also gained advantages in terms of trade, resources, intelligence, and propaganda. However, this pact also had serious and far-reaching consequences, both for the parties involved and for the world at large. The pact enabled Hitler to launch his war of aggression, which led to the death of millions of people, including Russians. The pact also strengthened the authoritarian regimes of both Germany and Russia and paved the way for the Cold War. The pact violated the principles of international law and morality, and contributed to the erosion of trust and cooperation among nations.
As a professional, I would suggest that the article focus more on the keywords and phrases related to the topic, such as Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, non-aggression pact, Germany, Russia, World War II, partitioned Poland, Hitler, Western front, totalitarian regimes, ideology, geopolitics, diplomacy, and timing. I would also suggest that the article use subheadings, bullets, and links to break down the content into more digestible and shareable parts. For example:
– Introduction: Why did Germany and Russia make the agreement?
– The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact: What was it and what were its consequences?
– Five factors that influenced the pact: History, ideology, geopolitics, diplomacy, and timing
– Germany`s motives: Why did Hitler seek an alliance or neutrality with Russia?
– Russia`s motives: Why did Stalin seek a non-aggression pact or a buffer zone with Germany?
– The secret protocols: What did they say and how did they affect Europe?
– The aftermath: How did the pact contribute to the outbreak of World War II and the emergence of the Cold War?
– Conclusion: What lessons can we learn from the pact and its legacy?
