World-history / International Relations / USSR-France Relationship (1919-33)
USSR-France Relationship (1919-33)
Sour Relations (1919-1930)
- Treaty of Versailles and Bolshevik Revolution (1919)
- Background: Russia was excluded from the Treaty of Versailles negotiations due to French opposition. This exclusion stemmed from France's concerns about Bolshevik attempts to incite communist revolutions in France after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
- Russian Civil War (1918-1920)
- French Involvement: France sent troops in support of the White Army, who were fighting against the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War. This further strained relations.
- Russia-Poland War (1920)
- French Intervention: France sent troops to aid Poland in their conflict against Russia. This intervention helped Poland successfully repel the Russians from Warsaw, the Polish capital.
- Little Entente (1921-1927) and France-Poland Alliance
- Objective: The formation of the Little Entente, including the France-Poland Alliance established in 1921, was not only directed against Germany but also seen as a measure to counter potential threats from Russia.
Improvement in Relations (After 1930)
- Reason: The rise of the Nazis in Germany led to an increase in positivity in the Franco-Russian relationship.
Key Themes:
- Treaty of Versailles and the Rise of Nazism
- Treaty's Impact on Germany:
- The Treaty of Versailles, though satisfying to the "Big Three" (US, Britain, and France), created resentment in Germany. It was viewed as an unjust peace, leaving Germany weakened but still potent enough to thwart communism.
- German Resentment:
- Germans were particularly embittered by clauses blaming Germany for the war's cause and the subsequent financial penalties imposed.
- Rise of Nazism:
- The harsh conditions of the treaty fueled long-lasting resentment among Germans, contributing significantly to the rise of Nazism.
- US Policy of Isolation and the Great Depression's Global Impact
- US Isolationism:
- The United States adopted a policy of isolation, distancing itself from European political affairs.
- The Great Depression's Global Effects:
- The Great Depression, originating in the US, escalated into a worldwide economic crisis. This crisis profoundly influenced European political decisions for years, including their approaches to international relations.
