Question

Discuss any four important reasons for the signing of the Non-aggression Pact in 1939.

Answer 1

In August 1939, Hitler of Germany and Stalin of the Soviet Union signed the Non-Aggression Pact, also referred to as the Nazi-Soviet Pact or the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The reasons for its signing include:

1. Avoidance of a Two-Front War: Hitler wanted to avoid fighting a war on two fronts against Britain/France in the west and the USSR in the east. Germany was able to concentrate on Western Europe because the Pact guaranteed Soviet neutrality.
2. Division of Eastern Europe: A secret protocol to split Eastern Europe into German and Soviet areas of influence was part of the agreement. This allowed possible for both powers to increase their own spheres of influence without conflict.
3. Time for Military Preparation: Stalin signed the pact to give the USSR more time to develop its industrial and military might in preparation for the potential future conflict with Germany.
4. Mutual Distrust of Western Powers: Britain and France were distrusted by both the USSR and Germany. The pact was a calculated attempt to counterbalance the power of Western nations.