Secret protocol

Definition

The secret protocol refers to a confidential agreement that was attached to the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, signed on August 23, 1939. This hidden addendum outlined the spheres of influence that both Germany and the Soviet Union would have in Eastern Europe, effectively dividing the region between them. It played a crucial role in the geopolitical landscape leading up to World War II, shaping the actions of both nations in their respective territories.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The secret protocol was kept hidden from the public and was only revealed after World War II, impacting perceptions of both nations involved.
2. Under this protocol, Poland was divided between Germany and the Soviet Union, facilitating their invasion of the country in September 1939.
3. The secret protocol allowed for the Soviet annexation of the Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
4. This agreement marked a significant shift in international relations, as two ideologically opposed regimes (fascist Germany and communist Soviet Union) found common ground.
5. The existence of the secret protocol fueled distrust among other European nations and contributed to the larger conflict that erupted into World War II.

Review Questions

• How did the secret protocol impact the military strategies of Germany and the Soviet Union in the early stages of World War II?
  • The secret protocol allowed Germany and the Soviet Union to coordinate their military strategies without direct confrontation against each other. By establishing their respective spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, both countries could invade and occupy territories like Poland without fearing retaliation from the other. This cooperation facilitated a swift and efficient execution of their military campaigns, significantly altering the balance of power in Europe at that time.
• Analyze how the revelation of the secret protocol after World War II affected post-war relations between Eastern European countries and both Germany and the Soviet Union.
  • The revelation of the secret protocol after World War II had profound implications for post-war relations in Eastern Europe. Countries like Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania felt betrayed by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union due to their division as outlined in the agreement. This betrayal fostered a sense of mistrust toward these powers and contributed to a desire for sovereignty and independence among Eastern European nations. The historical memory of this secret agreement influenced their political landscape for decades following the war.
• Evaluate the significance of the secret protocol within the broader context of international diplomacy leading up to World War II, considering its implications on alliances and conflicts.
  • The secret protocol was a pivotal moment in international diplomacy that highlighted the fragility of alliances prior to World War II. By formalizing a partnership between two conflicting ideologies—Nazism and communism—it demonstrated how geopolitical interests could override ideological differences. This agreement not only facilitated aggressive expansion by both powers but also undermined collective security efforts among other nations. The subsequent actions taken based on this protocol ultimately contributed to a catastrophic conflict that reshaped global politics for years to come.

Related terms

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact:

A treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in which both nations pledged not to attack each other, creating a temporary alliance.

Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact:

Another name for the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, named after the foreign ministers of both countries who negotiated it.

Eastern Europe:

A region that includes countries like Poland, the Baltic states, and parts of Ukraine, which were significantly impacted by the secret protocol and its provisions.