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Write an account of how the Nazi–Soviet Pact led to war. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 3
Write an account of how the Nazi–Soviet Pact led to war.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write an account of how the Nazi–Soviet Pact led to war. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explain the Nazi–Soviet Pact
Answer
The Nazi–Soviet Pact, signed on August 23, 1939, was a non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. It allowed both nations to invade and partition Poland between them without fear of retaliation from the other. This agreement enabled Hitler to secure his eastern flank while he launched his offensive against Poland.
Step 2
Analyze the implications of the Pact on Europe
Answer
The Pact had significant implications for Europe, as it effectively sealed the fate of Poland and allowed Germany to invade on September 1, 1939. The Soviet Union invaded from the east on September 17, 1939. By dividing Poland, the Pact eliminated a potential buffer zone against further German expansion, thus destabilizing the region and increasing tensions among European powers.
Step 3
Discuss how the Pact led to World War II
Answer
The signing of the Nazi–Soviet Pact contributed directly to the outbreak of World War II. It illustrated the unpredictability of alliances in the lead-up to the war and reassured Hitler in his military ambitions while undermining the collective security arrangements that Britain and France hoped to uphold against aggression. Thus, it can be seen as a key trigger that ultimately led to widespread conflict as nations reacted to the rapid escalation of tensions in Europe.