In August 1939, the world was shocked by an unexpected announcement: Germany and the Soviet Union had signed a non-aggression pact. This agreement was significant for several reasons, but it was particularly notable for the fact that these two countries had been bitter enemies for many years.
The timing of the pact was also significant. Europe was on the brink of war, and many observers had expected the two countries to go to war against each other. Instead, they were now agreeing to stay out of each other`s way.
The agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union contained several secret protocols, one of which carved up Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. Germany was given a free hand to invade Poland, while the Soviet Union was allowed to annex Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and parts of Romania.
This secret protocol would have far-reaching consequences. The division of Poland between Germany and the Soviet Union was the trigger for World War II, and the annexation of the Baltic states would not be undone until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
The pact was also significant for the Soviet Union`s relationship with the Western Allies. Before signing the pact, the Soviet Union had been negotiating with Britain and France about forming an anti-German alliance. The signing of the pact with Germany was seen as a betrayal by the Western Allies and further isolated the Soviet Union from the rest of Europe.
The pact between Germany and the Soviet Union did not last long. In June 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa, breaking the non-aggression pact and plunging Europe into a new phase of the war. The invasion of the Soviet Union was one of the largest military operations in history and marked a turning point in World War II.
In conclusion, the agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939 was a significant event in the lead up to World War II. While it was short-lived and ultimately led to Germany`s invasion of the Soviet Union, it had far-reaching consequences for the future of Europe and the course of the war.