This key facts covers Timeline: The Final Steps to War 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 2 of 14 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

📅 Timeline: The Final Steps to War

Date	Event
Mar 1939	Hitler takes rest of Czechoslovakia. Britain guarantees Poland.
23 Aug 1939	Nazi-Soviet Pact signed. Secret protocol divides Poland.
1 Sept 1939	Germany invades Poland.
3 Sept 1939	Britain and France declare war on Germany.
17 Sept 1939	USSR invades Poland from east.

🤝 The Nazi-Soviet Pact (23 August 1939)

Public terms: Germany and USSR agreed not to attack each other for 10 years.

Secret protocol: Poland would be divided between them. USSR got Baltic states.

Why Hitler wanted it: Avoid two-front war. Secure eastern flank before attacking Poland.

Why Stalin wanted it: Buy time to prepare. Gain territory. Angry after Munich exclusion.

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

Timeline: The Final Steps to War