How did the Nazi-Soviet Pact impact the outbreak of World War II?

The Nazi-Soviet Pact enabled Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention, triggering World War II.

The Nazi-Soviet Pact, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was signed on 23 August 1939 between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. This non-aggression treaty meant that the two countries agreed not to attack each other and secretly divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. For Germany, this pact was crucial because it allowed Hitler to invade Poland without worrying about a two-front war, as the Soviet Union would not interfere.

On 1 September 1939, just days after the pact was signed, Germany invaded Poland from the west. This invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany on 3 September 1939, marking the official start of World War II. The Soviet Union, honouring the secret terms of the pact, invaded Poland from the east on 17 September 1939. This joint invasion led to the swift defeat and partition of Poland between the two powers.

The pact also had significant psychological and strategic impacts. It shocked the world because Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union were ideologically opposed, with one being fascist and the other communist. The agreement demonstrated the lengths to which both regimes would go to achieve their territorial ambitions. For Hitler, the pact provided a temporary peace with the Soviet Union, allowing him to focus on Western Europe. For Stalin, it bought time to strengthen the Soviet military and expand Soviet territory.

In summary, the Nazi-Soviet Pact was a pivotal factor in the outbreak of World War II. It facilitated Germany's invasion of Poland, leading to the war's commencement, and reshaped the political landscape of Europe in the lead-up to the conflict.