Answer :
Final answer:
The Soviet Union joined the Allies primarily due to Hitler's invasion of their territory, which broke the non-aggression pact they had. Fears of Nazi expansion and a desire to regain control of lost territories also motivated their decision. Ultimately, the shift was essential for the Allied powers in their defeat of Germany.
Explanation:
Reasons for the Soviet Union Joining the Allies
During World War II, the Soviet Union initially signed a non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany in 1939, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. However, this relationship changed drastically when Hitler broke the pact and invaded the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, in a military operation called Operation Barbarossa.
The main reasons for the Soviet Union's shift to join the Allies included:
- Stalin was afraid of Hitler: After witnessing the rapid expansion of Nazi Germany and the viciousness of their military campaigns in Europe, Stalin became increasingly alarmed about Hitler's intentions towards the Soviet Union.
- Hitler had broken a pact and attacked: The direct aggression against the Soviet Union was a critical factor, as it forced Stalin to reassess his alliances and join forces with the Allies to combat the common enemy.
- Hitler was becoming too powerful in Eastern Europe: Germany's swift victories in the early stages of the war posed a significant threat to the balance of power in Europe, prompting Soviet involvement.
- Stalin wished to take control of territories captured by Germany: Joining the Allies allowed the Soviets to reclaim lands they had lost and expand their influence in Eastern Europe post-war.
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