Soviet Foreign Policy Essay Flashcards
(15 cards)
What was the initial ideological inspiration for Soviet foreign policy between 1917 and 1941?
Trotsky’s theory of ‘Permanent Revolution’
This theory aimed to spread Marxism-Leninism and spark Communist uprisings across Europe.
What theory did Stalin promote that shifted the focus of Soviet foreign policy?
Socialism in One Country
This theory emphasized strengthening the Soviet economy through industrialization and collectivization.
What significant event did Lenin’s Treaty of Brest-Litovsk (1918) address?
It ended Russia’s involvement in World War I by surrendering large areas of land to Germany
This decision was made to secure the revolution at home despite its unpopularity.
What was the role of the Comintern established in 1919?
To promote revolution abroad
It aimed to ignite socialist uprisings across Europe.
What major setback did the Soviet Union face in its foreign ambitions during the early 1920s?
The Red Army’s defeat in the Russo-Polish War (1920)
This defeat exposed the limits of Soviet military influence and ambitions for international revolution.
What diplomatic strategy did Stalin adopt after the failure of the Comintern’s activities?
Revolutionary diplomacy
This involved treaties with countries like Germany to strengthen the Soviet state.
What was the outcome of the Spanish Civil War for Soviet foreign policy?
Limited support for communist revolutionaries
Stalin prioritized relations with Western powers over advancing revolutionary goals.
What was the significance of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of August 1939?
It included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe between the two powers
This pact was seen as a pragmatic decision by Stalin to secure Soviet interests.
What was the impact of the Munich Agreement of 1938 on Soviet foreign policy?
It excluded the Soviets and ceded Czechoslovakia to Hitler
This convinced Stalin of the Western powers’ intentions towards the Soviet Union.
What was the primary focus of Soviet foreign policy following Lenin’s death in 1924?
Domestic consolidation and industrialization
This shift marked a departure from the immediate goal of international revolution.
Fill in the blank: The theory of _______ emphasized that socialism could only succeed if it spread to more advanced economies.
Permanent Revolution
True or False: Stalin’s foreign policy during the 1930s was primarily focused on exporting revolution.
False
Stalin’s focus shifted to ensuring the USSR’s survival and security.
What was the result of Stalin’s diplomatic strategies by 1933?
Normalization of relations with several major powers
This set the groundwork for industrial growth through foreign trade.
What did Stalin hope to achieve through the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact?
To buy time to rearm and secure territorial gains
He aimed to delay conflict with Germany, which ultimately failed.
What characterized the third phase of Soviet foreign policy during the late 1930s?
Complete abandonment of international revolutionary aims
This phase focused on ensuring the USSR’s survival amid the rise of fascism.
