TOPIC: Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the
present- significant events, personalities, issues.
1) Why did the Soviet Union sign the Non-Aggression Pact with Germany? What did Germany gain from it? Discuss.(250 words)
Key demand of the question
The question asks us to explain the reason why Soviet union signed the Molotov Ribbentrop pact which took the world by surprise. Discuss what Soviet and Germany gained from the pact. Also discuss, why the pact broke and the overall impact of the pact.
Directive word
Discuss – Here, in your discussion, bring out the aspects mentioned in the discussion above.
Structure of the answer
Introduction – Briefly mention the contents of the pact and the overall geopolitical situation when the pact was signed.
Structure of the answer
- Discuss the content of the deal
- Explain USSR’s motivation – lack of agreement over collective security deal with UK and France, German threat in eastern Europe and the prospect of facing it alone, the submissiveness of western powers at Munich conference etc
- Explain Germany’s motivations – secure itself on one front from USSR’s threat
- Explain what ended the pact and how it helped Russia to prepare it’s army as it got the luxury of time
Conclusion – discuss the overall impact of the pact.
