World War II: Eastern Europe and the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

In 1939, Eastern Europe was caught between the expansionist ambitions of the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. Despite their mutual disdain, Stalin and Hitler signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression agreement that secretly divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. This led to the invasion of Poland, marking the start of World War II. The pact allowed the USSR to expand its borders without fear of German invasion, while Germany avoided a two-front war. The video concludes with acknowledgments to supporters.

What were the two main powers causing tension in Eastern Europe before World War II?

• France and Italy

• Britain and Spain

• United States and Japan

• USSR and Nazi Germany

Who did Stalin replace as his foreign minister to improve relations with Germany?

• Leon Trotsky

• Maxim Litvinov

• Vyacheslav Molotov

• Nikita Khrushchev

What was the name of the non-aggression pact signed between the USSR and Nazi Germany?

• Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact

• Munich Agreement

• Treaty of Versailles

• Pact of Steel

Who were the two foreign ministers involved in negotiating the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?

• Litvinov and Ribbentrop

• Molotov and Ribbentrop

• Molotov and Goebbels

• Litvinov and Goebbels

When did Hitler invade Poland, marking the beginning of World War II?

• August 23, 1939

• October 1, 1939

• September 1, 1939

• September 17, 1939

Which country did the USSR gain in exchange for allowing Germany to keep more of Poland?

• Latvia

• Finland

• Estonia

• Lithuania

Which country resisted Stalin's demands and was not easily subdued?

• Finland

• Latvia

• Lithuania

• Estonia

What was one of the main reasons Germany was keen on the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?

• To form an alliance against Japan

• To spread communism

• To gain access to Soviet resources

• To avoid a two-front war

How did the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact benefit the USSR in terms of its borders?

• It provided the USSR with colonies in Africa

• It allowed the USSR to expand its borders in Eastern Europe

• It gave the USSR control over the Mediterranean

• It allowed the USSR to annex Western Europe

What was the most important benefit for the USSR from the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact?

• Guarantee that Germany wouldn't invade

• Control over the Baltic Sea

• Alliance with Japan

• Access to German technology