Long Term Aftermath
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
Before invading Poland, Hitler sent his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joachim von Ribbentrop to negotiate with the U.S.S.R’s (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vyacheslav Molotov, for a non-aggression pact. The pact, commonly known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, said that Germany and the U.S.S.R could not aid each other in war, and they can’t attack each other. Germany’s motive to create and sign this pact was so that they would be able to invade Poland without risk of being attacked by both Britain and the U.S.S.R.
Secret Protocol
There was a secret protocol that stated that if and when Germany took over Poland and the Baltic States (Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), their political influence would represent both Germany and the U.S.S.R. It also stated that if or when Germany successfully took over Poland, both the U.S.S.R and Germany would gain part of the land and any disputes over what they had would be solved peacefully. On September 1st, 1939, Hitler invaded Poland. Britain then declared war on Germany, starting World War II. Shortly after the declaration of war against Germany, Chamberlain resigned as Prime Minister and appointed Winston Churchill, who was known for his military leadership from World War I.
Churchill had previously spoken against appeasement, saying that Britain had “sustained a total and unmitigated defeat” after the signing of the Munich Agreement.
Vyacheslav Molotov signs the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact; behind him is Joachim von Ribbentrop (left), and Joseph Stalin (center). Credit: The Guardian