The Nazi–Soviet Pact and the outbreak of war Cambridge IGCSE History revision
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In plain words
In August 1939 the two sworn enemies of Europe, Nazi Germany and the communist USSR, signed a treaty of friendship. The world was stunned. Nine days later German tanks crossed into Poland.
8 things to know
- After taking Czechoslovakia in March 1939, Hitler turned to Poland. He demanded the city of Danzig and a route across the Polish Corridor.
- Britain and France now promised to defend Poland if it was attacked. Hitler did not believe that they would.
- Everything depended on the USSR. Britain and France held talks with Stalin about an alliance, but the talks were slow and half-hearted, and the two sides did not trust each other.
- On 23 August 1939 Germany and the USSR signed the Nazi–Soviet Pact. They agreed not to attack each other. In a secret part of the pact they agreed to divide Poland between them.
- Why Stalin signed: he did not trust Britain and France after Munich. He needed time to build up his army. And the pact gave him land in eastern Poland and a free hand in the Baltic states.
- Why Hitler signed: he could invade Poland without having to fight the USSR at the same time, so he avoided a war on two fronts.
- The pact made war certain. On 1 September 1939 Germany invaded Poland. Britain demanded that Germany withdraw. On 3 September Britain and France declared war.
- Why they declared war: they had promised to defend Poland. Hitler had broken his word after Munich, and it was now clear that he meant to dominate Europe. They were also better armed than in 1938.
Worked example
"The Nazi–Soviet Pact was the main cause of war in 1939." How far do you agree? Plan a 10-mark answer.
- Agree: it removed Hitler's fear of a war on two fronts, and war followed within days.
- Other causes: Hitler's aims, which made war likely whatever others did. Appeasement, which encouraged him. The failure of the League. The Treaty of Versailles, which left Germany resentful.
- Judgement: the pact decided when the war began. Hitler's aims decided that there would be one.
Tips and tricks
- Separate long-term causes (Versailles, the Depression, the failure of the League) from short-term ones (appeasement, the pact, the invasion of Poland). The best answers link them.
- Dates: 23 August the pact, 1 September the invasion, 3 September the declaration of war.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
The Nazi–Soviet Pact and the outbreak of war: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
When was the Nazi–Soviet Pact signed?
23 August 1939, nine days before the invasion of Poland.
What did the secret part of the pact agree?
Each took a share.
What did Hitler demand from Poland?
Poland refused.
On what date did Britain and France declare war on Germany?
Two days after the invasion of Poland.
Why was the pact so valuable to Hitler?Stretch
He feared a war on two fronts.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 16 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
The Nazi–Soviet Pact and the outbreak of war
Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 · 16 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What was agreed in the Nazi–Soviet Pact?[4]
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Germany and the USSR agreed not to attack each other. The pact was signed on 23 August 1939. In a secret clause they agreed to divide Poland between them. The USSR was also given a free hand in the Baltic states.
Why did Stalin sign a pact with Hitler?[6]
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He did not trust Britain and France, who had left the USSR out of the Munich Conference and seemed unwilling to make a real alliance. He believed that Germany would attack the USSR eventually, and he needed time to strengthen his army. The pact also gave the USSR territory in eastern Poland.
Why did Britain and France declare war on Germany in September 1939?[6]
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They had guaranteed to defend Poland, and Germany invaded it on 1 September. Hitler had broken his promises after Munich by taking the rest of Czechoslovakia, so they knew that he could not be trusted. It was clear that his aim was to dominate Europe, and that appeasement had failed.
Answers: The Nazi–Soviet Pact and the outbreak of war
- 1. Germany and the USSR agreed not to attack each other. The pact was signed on 23 August 1939. In a secret clause they agreed to divide Poland between them. The USSR was also given a free hand in the Baltic states.
- 2. He did not trust Britain and France, who had left the USSR out of the Munich Conference and seemed unwilling to make a real alliance. He believed that Germany would attack the USSR eventually, and he needed time to strengthen his army. The pact also gave the USSR territory in eastern Poland.
- 3. They had guaranteed to defend Poland, and Germany invaded it on 1 September. Hitler had broken his promises after Munich by taking the rest of Czechoslovakia, so they knew that he could not be trusted. It was clear that his aim was to dominate Europe, and that appeasement had failed.