Summary
The Polish Crisis and the Nazi–Soviet Pact were pivotal in triggering World War II, as Hitler's ambitions in Poland and his agreement with Stalin removed obstacles to German expansion.
- Polish Corridor — a strip of land that gave Poland access to the sea, separating East Prussia from Germany.
Example: Created by the Treaty of Versailles, it was resented by Germans. - Danzig — a predominantly German city under League of Nations control as a "free city."
Example: Its status angered German nationalists. - Lebensraum — Hitler's policy of acquiring "living space" in Eastern Europe.
Example: Justified territorial expansion into Poland. - Nazi–Soviet Pact — a non-aggression treaty between Germany and the USSR signed in August 1939.
Example: Allowed Germany to invade Poland without Soviet interference. - Secret Protocol — part of the Nazi–Soviet Pact dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.
Example: Poland was partitioned between Germany and the USSR.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Polish Corridor
- Lebensraum
- Nazi–Soviet Pact
Common Confusions
- Confusing the public terms of the Nazi–Soviet Pact with the secret protocol
- Misunderstanding the reasons behind Hitler's public justifications versus his real intentions
Typical Exam Questions
- What was the significance of the Nazi–Soviet Pact? It allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.
- How did the Polish Corridor contribute to the Polish Crisis? It separated East Prussia from Germany, causing resentment and territorial disputes.
- Why did the Nazi–Soviet Pact shock the world? It was unexpected as Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union were ideological enemies.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the causes and consequences of the Polish Crisis
- The impact of the Nazi–Soviet Pact on international relations
- The reasons behind Hitler's foreign policy decisions