The Road to Barbarossa: Soviet-German Relations, 1917-1941

Describes how both the Soviet Union and Germany were affected by the Treaty of Versailles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

From the tumultuous aftermath of the First World War, which saw Germany and Russia engage in a stalemate, two distinct societies with opposing ideologies emerged. On one side, communism represented the extreme left, advocating for the abolition of private ownership and the establishment of a classless society. In contrast, fascism stood for the extreme right, championing national unity, authoritarianism, and the suppression of individual freedoms. Despite their profound differences, the governments and military establishments in both countries managed to create a delicate balance of cooperation and alliance.

Western democracies viewed both systems with disdain, finding them repugnant in their principles. However, Germany and the Soviet Union possessed immense resources and expertise that offered significant opportunities for trade. Germany, known for its advanced industrial capabilities and scientific advancements, had a strong military force and a vast intellectual and industrial base. The Soviet Union, on the other hand, boasted vast raw material reserves and a large labor force. Despite their shared interests, the two countries were often uneasy partners, as their ideologies clashed and their ambitions diverged.

Britain, with its historical ties to Germany, tended to align more closely with the Germans. France, with its historical connections to Eastern Europe, had closer relations with the Soviet Union. This division of allegiances created a sense of animosity and hostility between the two nations. As a result, Germany and the Soviet Union found themselves on opposing sides of the political and military landscape, further escalating tensions.

However, amidst the political animosity, both countries began to recognize the benefits of military and economic cooperation. In 1921, collaborative ventures for covert armament production and training facilities were initiated. These schemes, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, would continue for over a decade, with varying degrees of success. The Spanish Civil War, which took place in the mid-1930s, provided a testing ground for the competing military doctrines of fascism and communism. The war witnessed the clash of opposing ideologies and the deployment of advanced military technology, including aircraft, tanks, and submarines. Despite the devastating consequences of the war, it also brought the two nations closer together, as they realized the shared dangers posed by fascism and the need for cooperation in countering it.

The aftermath of the Spanish Civil War saw a renewed spirit of Rapall between Germany and the Soviet Union. The two countries began to work together in various international organizations, such as the League of Nations and the United Nations, to promote peace and stability. They also signed treaties and agreements, such as the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact, which aimed to prevent future conflicts. The cooperation between Germany and the Soviet Union was not without its challenges, however. The ideological differences between the two nations continued to be a source of tension, and their respective spheres of influence in Europe and the world were often in conflict. Nevertheless, the two countries remained committed to working together for the betterment of the world, despite their differences.

In conclusion, the emergence of communism and fascism after the First World War marked a significant shift in the political landscape. Despite their profound differences, the governments and military establishments in Germany and the Soviet Union were able to create an environment of cooperation and alliance. The two countries possessed vast resources and expertise that offered opportunities for trade and collaboration. The Spanish Civil War provided a testing ground for the competing military doctrines of fascism and communism, bringing the two nations closer together. However, the ideological differences between the two nations continued to be a source of tension, and their respective spheres of influence in Europe and the world were often in conflict. Nevertheless, the two countries remained committed to working together for the betterment of the world, despite their differences.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399068826