The Varying Alliances of the Soviet Union During World War II

The complex history of the Soviet Union's alliances during World War II is a significant chapter in the global struggle against Nazi Germany. This article delves into the various relationships that the USSR maintained, transformed, and eventually dissolved throughout the war.

Nazi Germany and Non-Aggression Pact

Before the outbreak of World War II, the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany were in an unusual alignment. The Non-Aggression Pact, signed on August 23, 1939, was a significant milestone in their relationship. This agreement, known officially as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, included secret protocols dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. Under these conditions, Germany was granted western Poland, while the Soviet Union was awarded eastern Poland, as well as parts of the Baltic states.

Initially Allied but Later Hostile

However, this initial alliance did not last. By the summer of 1941, Germany had turned towards invasion. On June 22, 1941 (known as Barbarossa), the German Army invaded the Soviet Union, thus rupturing the alliance. This decision came as no surprise to many, given Adolf Hitler's writings in Mein Kampf, where he had clearly outlined his plans for expansion into the Soviet territories.

Switching Sides and the Lend-Lease Program

Once the German invasion began, the Soviet Union swiftly switched sides, joining the Allied forces. The British and the Soviets initially clashed over the entry of the Soviet Union into the war. Joseph Stalin had protected Hitler, stating that it was France and Britain who had attacked Germany, not vice versa. However, the tide turned as the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa. This marked the pivotal moment when the Soviet Union became an ally.

The United States eventually entered the war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and Hitler's subsequent declaration of war against the US. In response, the Allies, including the US and the Soviet Union, began providing war supplies and aid through the Lend-Lease program. This program was crucial in maintaining the war effort and ensuring that the USSR had the necessary resources to continue its fight against the Axis powers.

After the War and Cold War Alliances

At the end of World War II, the relationship between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany became further complicated by the onset of the Cold War. During this period, East Germany was part of the Warsaw Pact, an alliance characterized by military and economic cooperation and was therefore closely allied with the Soviet Union. In stark contrast, West Germany, a member of NATO, was aligned with the Western Allies.

This division would persist for several decades until the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany in 1991. The dissolution of the Warsaw Pact followed closely, marking the end of one of the most significant and enduring alliances of the 20th century.

In conclusion, the Soviet Union's alliances during World War II were dynamic and multifaceted. From initial cooperation with Nazi Germany, to a quick switch to become an ally with the other major powers, the Soviet Union played a pivotal role in the global struggle against the Nazi regime. This complex history is a testament to the ever-changing nature of international relations during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history.