World-history / International Relations / USSR-Germany Relations (1919-33)
USSR-Germany Relations (1919-33)
Overview
The relations between the USSR (Soviet Union) and Germany remained generally positive until 1930, largely due to the diplomatic efforts of Gustav Stresemann, a key figure in German foreign policy during that period. Both countries had their own reasons for seeking amicable relations.
- Trade Treaty (1921)
- Summary: In 1921, a trade treaty was signed between the USSR and Germany, facilitating economic cooperation. German industrialists gained trade concessions in Russia.
- Rapallo Agreement (1922)
- Provisions:
- Full diplomatic relations were reestablished between Russia and Germany.
- A special relationship was established between the two nations.
- Both countries canceled any war reparations they owed each other.
- German armament began: Germany was permitted to construct factories in Russia for the production of airplanes and ammunition, allowing Germany to bypass disarmament clauses in the Treaty of Versailles. German officers received training in Russia to use weapons that were prohibited in Germany under the Treaty of Versailles.
- Reasons for Amicable Relations:
- Both Russia and Germany sought to keep Poland weak.
- Russia wanted Germany to serve as a buffer state against potential Western attacks, as Western powers were hostile to a communist Russia.
- Russia aimed to maintain good relations with at least one capitalist country.
- Treaty of Berlin (1926)
- Summary: This treaty extended the Rapallo Agreement until 1931. Germany promised to remain neutral if the USSR was attacked by another power, and both nations agreed not to impose economic sanctions on each other.
- After 1930s
- Shift in Relations:
- Negativity emerged in the relationship as the USSR opposed the increasing influence of the Nazis in Germany, who held strong anti-communist views.
- The USSR was against the Austria-Germany Customs Union (1931), viewing it as a sign of rising German nationalism that could threaten Russian frontiers in the future.
- Stalin gradually drifted towards Poland, Britain, and France.
- Hitler attempted to improve relations with Russia after 1934.
- Non-Aggression Pact (1939)
- Summary: In 1939, a Non-Aggression Pact was signed between the USSR and Germany, committing both nations not to attack each other. The agreement included a clause to divide Poland between the USSR and Germany if the USSR remained neutral when Germany attacked Poland. This strategic move by Hitler prevented Britain from forming an alliance with the USSR, which would have allowed Britain to better protect Poland, whose safety Britain had guaranteed.
