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Conflict and Tension 1918-1939Introduction

Setting the Scene

Part of Outbreak of War · GCSE GCSE History revision

This introduction covers Setting the Scene within Outbreak of War for GCSE History. Revise Outbreak of War in Conflict and Tension 1918-1939 for GCSE History with 8 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 1 of 14 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 1 of 14

Practice

8 questions

Recall

15 flashcards

📖 Setting the Scene

August 23, 1939. The world gasps in disbelief. Nazi Germany and Communist Russia — ideological enemies — have signed a non-aggression pact. The secret protocol carves up Poland between them. Hitler has secured his eastern flank. A week later, German tanks roll into Poland. On September 3, 1939, Britain and France declare war. World War Two has begun.

▶ WW2 Part 1 - OverSimplified ▶ WW2 Part 2 - OverSimplified

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Outbreak of War. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Timeline: The Final Steps to WarWhy Did War Finally Break Out?How Did All the Causes Connect to Produce War in September 1939?

Practice Questions for Outbreak of War

On what date was the Nazi-Soviet Pact signed?

  • A. 1 September 1939
  • B. 3 September 1939
  • C. 17 September 1939
  • D. 23 August 1939
1 markfoundation

What did the secret protocol of the Nazi-Soviet Pact arrange?

  • A. Germany and the USSR would form a military alliance against Britain
  • B. Poland would be divided between Germany and the USSR
  • C. The USSR would supply Germany with oil in exchange for weapons
  • D. Germany would not rearm beyond the limits set at Versailles
1 markfoundation

Quick Recall Flashcards

Why did Stalin sign?
Buy time, gain territory, distrusted Britain/France after Munich
Nazi-Soviet Pact date?
23 August 1939

8 questions on Outbreak of War — practise free

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Timeline: The Final Steps to War