What effect did Hitler's actions have on the Soviet Union and the allies?

Answer 1

In August 1939, at Stalin's direction, the Soviet Union entered into a non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany, containing a secret protocol, dividing the whole of Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence. An Anglo-Polish treaty of Alliance was under preparation and Britain also included Rumania, Greece and Turkey under their protection. Though angered and surprised, Hitler was not deterred by this treaty. He commanded his generals to ready their troops and prepare for an attack no later than September 1st. Hitler's aim was to start "a war with sudden, heavy blows and gaining rapid successes."

-

By now, Hitler depended on the Triple Alliance of Germany, Japan and Italy to be against Britain, America and Soviet Union. The leaders of Poland understood very clearly that they had no chance against Germany alone. The French, in fact, promised the Poles in mid-May 1939 that in the event of German aggression against Poland, France would launch an offensive against the Germans "no later than fifteen days after mobilization". This promise was sealed in a solemn treaty signed between Poland and France.

-

By September 1, 1939, the pieces were in place for the beginning of a general European war. It would be a war for which Great Britain and France were egregiously unprepared. Meanwhile, Poland would pay in untold lives. France and Great Britain did indeed honor their signatures and declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939. Nevertheless, this proved to be a hollow declaration that provided no help to the Poles. From the evidence presented here is is clear that neither France nor Great Britain had the slightest intention of actually coming to the assistance of their Polish ally.