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Conflict and Tension 1918-1939Key Facts

Timeline: The Final Steps to War

Part of Outbreak of War — GCSE History

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 5 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 2 of 10 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 10

Practice

8 questions

Recall

5 flashcards

📅 Timeline: The Final Steps to War

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

    • 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.

    Setting the SceneWhy Did War Finally Break Out?Why Did This Happen?Key Terms

    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

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

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    Setting the Scene

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    Why Did War Finally Break Out?