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Today we are examining such a difficult topic as political and economic development USSR in the 20-30s.

The Soviet state in the first half of the 20sXX century

Crisis of late 1920 - early 1921

The state of the economic and social sphere of the RSFSR at the end of the Civil War left much to be desired. Many factories and fields suffered serious damage, the population decreased significantly, and the amount of cultivated land decreased. In addition, the government did not immediately realize the failure of the policy of “war communism”, since after the victory of the Bolsheviks, “food detachments” continued to confiscate products from the population, and the authorities took actions that contradicted the demands of workers and peasants (preparing for the abolition of money, strengthening distributive economic policy). All this led to a famine in 1921 and the start of strikes. After suppression sailors' uprising in Kronstadt (March 1921) The government began to take measures to restore the economy and meet the demands of the people.

New Economic Policy

On XCongress of the RCP(b) (March 1921) Lenin proposed a new economic policy. It consisted of creating a multi-structured economy while maintaining the main “levers” in the hands of the government (foreign trade, centralized monetary system, public sector in industry).

The main goals of the NEP were:

• Elimination of social tension
• Preventing devastation and overcoming the crisis
• Creating a basis for building a socialist society

And to achieve them, the government had to deviate from some provisions of the Decrees adopted in October 1917, namely:

• Cancel general nationalization
• Reduce centralization in the economy
• Revive private trade

To quickly restore the economy, it was necessary to increase the amount of funds flowing into state budget, as well as provide citizens with more opportunities to obtain these funds. To this end, the following activities were carried out:

• Replacing surplus appropriation with tax in kind (2 times less)
• Permission to sell excess products
• Permission to open and rent small and medium-sized enterprises
• Granting of concessions
• Targeting government enterprises for self-sufficiency
• Permission to rent land and use hired labor

There have been some changes in the banking system:

• The emergence of private banks
• Issue and forced distribution of state. loans
• Currency reform in 1922 – reduction in the volume of paper money production (issue) and the introduction of the Soviet 10 ruble banknote

Naturally, economic reforms were not without changes in the social sphere:

• Acceptance of the new Labor Code (1922) (abolition of universal labor conscription, introduction of free hiring)
• Reform of the wage system - introduction of a tariff schedule
• Termination of labor mobilization

The new economic policy soon gave its positive results: light industry developed rapidly, the living conditions of the population improved, and the abolition of cards began. But all this solved only one of the goals of the NEP - overcoming devastation.

The NEP became the cause of disagreements within the party, which threatened its discord. Some advocated expanding the economic rights of trade unions and democratizing management (“labor opposition”). Others stood for complete centralization of management and the elimination of trade unions (Trotsky). To avoid the strengthening of opposition forces, the government carried out a “purge” among party members. Also, many cultural figures who did not support the policies of the Bolsheviks were expelled from the country (1922 “philosophical ship”).

Despite the decree on the separation of church and state, the Soviet government tried by all means to take control of the Russian Orthodox Church and even liquidate it. In 1922, during a mass famine, property was confiscated from the church. The propaganda of atheism intensified, the persecution of priests and the destruction of churches began.

All of these actions described above can be called one phrase - the elimination of the opposition to the ruling party. And the result of these events was the strengthening of the one-party system and the establishment of the dictatorship of the Central Committee of the RCP (b).

Results of domestic policy of the early 20s

At first, the NEP had a positive impact on the economy. But this policy soon caused certain difficulties.

Agriculture continued to dominate over industry. The country needed to increase its defense capability; the heavy industry required large investments. The government tried to solve this problem in the following way: a very low purchase price was set for industrial goods, but at the same time, its sales prices were greatly inflated. This actual siphoning of money gave rise to the problem of the appearance on the market of expensive, low-quality goods that the population refused to buy (sales crisis in 1923). Added to this was the price crisis of 1924, when peasants did not agree to sell grain to the state at low prices, wanting to get more benefits for the goods on the market. All this led to a reduction in the export of agricultural products, and as a result, deprived the state of funds for the purchase of foreign industrial equipment.

In response to this, the state increased the centralization of management, limited the freedom of enterprises, increased taxes and prices, that is, began to curtail policies.

But the government could not just admit its mistakes to the people, so the party leadership declared them “enemies of the people” (wealthy peasants, agronomists, engineers, Nepmen) the reason for their failures and began to haunt them.

Education USSR

Before the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, economic and political ties already existed between some of the states that were part of it.

During the Civil War, Russia entered into an alliance with Ukraine and Belarus (1919), according to which the countries pledged to provide military and political assistance in confronting anti-Soviet forces. After the Civil War, political ties between the states remained and economic ties intensified.

In 1922, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia formed the Transcaucasian Soviet Socialist Federation. The principles of the Constitution of the TSFSR were the same as those of the RSFSR.

In order to jointly restore and develop the economy, improve defense capability and strengthen the socialist system, ties between the republics required reaching a new level.

In December 1922, congresses of Soviets were held in all republics, which accepted Lenin's proposal to create a union state of a federation of equal republics.

On December 30, 1922, the First All-Union Congress was held, which approved the Declaration and Treaty on the Formation of the USSR. The first to join the Soviet Union were the RSFSR, the ZSFSR, the Ukrainian and Byelorussian SSR.

In January 1924, the Second Congress approved the Constitution of the USSR.

In the next post dedicated to the history of Russia we will examine the topic “Foreign Policy of the USSR in the 20-30s”, so subscribe to site updates and click on the buttons social networks. Well, now we invite you to watch the video tutorial on political life USSR in the 20-30s. To view it, like it on one of your social networks:

The formation of the young Soviet state was quite difficult and long. This was largely due to the fact that the international community was in no hurry to recognize it. In such conditions, the foreign policy of the USSR in the 20-30s of the 20th century was distinguished by rigidity and consistency, since it was necessary to solve many problems.

The main tasks facing diplomats

As we said, the main task was to normalize relations with other countries. But the USSR in the 20-30s also assumed the export of revolutionary ideas to other states. However, the romantic ideals of the revolution were quickly cooled by reality. Realizing the unreality of some ideas, the government of the newly created country quickly switched to more realistic tasks.

First achievements

At the very beginning of the twentieth century, a truly significant event took place: the USSR achieved the complete lifting of the trade blockade, which had a very painful impact on the country’s economy, which was already greatly weakened. Very important role played the Decree on Concessions, which was issued on November 23, 1920.

In principle, immediately after signing all trade agreements with Great Britain, Kaiser’s Germany and other countries, diplomats actually achieved unofficial recognition of the USSR throughout the world. The official period stretched from 1924 to 1924. The year 1924 turned out to be especially successful, when it was possible to resume relations with more than three dozen foreign countries.

This was the foreign policy of the USSR in the 20s and 30s. In short, it was possible to reorient the economy towards the industrial direction, as the country began to receive sufficient quantities of raw materials and technologies.

The first foreign ministers, thanks to whom such a breakthrough became possible, were Chicherin and Litvinov. These brilliant diplomats, who received their education in Tsarist Russia, became a real “guiding bridge” between the young USSR and the rest of the world. They conducted the foreign policy of the USSR in the 20-30s of the 20th century.

It was they who achieved the signing of a trade agreement with England, as well as other European powers. Accordingly, it is to them that the Soviet Union owes the lifting of the trade and economic blockade, which hindered the normal development of the country.

New deterioration in relations

But the foreign policy of the USSR in the 20-30s knew not only victories. Around the beginning of the thirties, a new round of deterioration in relations with the Western world began. This time the pretext was the fact that the USSR government officially supported the national movement in China. Relations with England were practically severed due to the fact that the country treated the striking English workers with sympathy. It got to the point that Vatican leaders openly began to call for a “Crusade” against the Soviet Union.

It is not surprising that in the 20-30s. XX century was distinguished by extreme caution: it was impossible to give the slightest reason for aggression.

Relations with Nazi Germany

One should not assume that the Soviet leadership pursued some kind of inadequate policy, disproportionate to the times. It was precisely the government of the USSR in those years that was distinguished by rare common sense. Thus, immediately after 1933, when the National Socialist Party came to sole power in Germany, it was the Soviet Union that began to actively insist on the creation of a collective European security system. All efforts of diplomats were traditionally ignored by the leaders of European powers.

An attempt to stop Hitler's aggression

In 1934, another event occurred that the country had been waiting for a long time. The USSR was finally admitted to the League of Nations, which was the ancestor of the UN. Already in 1935, an allied treaty was concluded with France, which provided for friendly mutual assistance in the event of an attack on one of the allies. Hitler immediately responded by seizing the Rhineland. Already in 1936, the process of actual Reich aggression against Italy and Spain began.

Of course, the political forces in the country understood what all this threatened, and therefore the foreign policy of the USSR in the 20-30s began to undergo serious changes again. The sending of equipment and specialists to fight the Nazis began. This marked the march of fascism across Europe, and the leaders of the European powers practically did not resist it.

Further aggravation of the situation

The fears of Soviet politicians were fully confirmed when in 1938 Hitler carried out the Anschluss of Austria. In September of the same year, the Munich Conference was held, which was attended by representatives of Germany, Great Britain and other countries.

No one was surprised that as a result, the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia was unanimously given over to power. The Soviet Union was perhaps the only country that openly condemned the fact of Hitler’s naked aggression. Just a year later, not only all of Czechoslovakia, but also Poland came under his rule.

The situation was complicated by the fact that Far East the situation kept getting worse. In 1938 and 1939, units of the Red Army came into fire contact with the Japanese. These were the famous Khasan and Khalkin-Gol battles. Also, fighting took place on Mongolian territory. Mikado believed that the heir to Tsarist Russia in the person of the USSR retained all the weaknesses of his predecessor, but greatly miscalculated: Japan was defeated, being forced to make significant territorial concessions.

Diplomatic relations with Germany

After Stalin tried at least three times to negotiate the creation of an ill-fated European security system, the leadership of the USSR was forced to establish diplomatic relations with Nazi Germany. Currently, Western historians are vying to convince the world of the aggressive intentions of the Soviet Union, but its true goal was simple. The country tried to secure its borders from attack, forced to negotiate with a potential enemy.

Treaties with the Reich

In mid-1939, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was signed. According to the terms of the secret part of the document, Germany received Western Poland, and the USSR received Finland, the Baltic states, Eastern Poland, and most of what is now Ukraine. The previously normalized relations with England and France were completely ruined.

At the end of September, politicians of the USSR and Germany signed an agreement on friendship and borders. How can we better understand the goals pursued by the foreign policy of the USSR in the 20s and 30s? The table we provide below will help you with this.

Stage name, years	Main characteristics
Primary stage, 1922-1933. Constant attempts to break the international blockade.	Basically, all policies focused on raising the prestige of the USSR in the eyes of Western countries. Relations with Germany at that time were rather friendly, since with its help the country's leadership hoped to resist England and France.
"The Era of Pacifism", 1933-1939.	Soviet foreign policy began a major reorientation, aiming to establish normal relations with the leaders of the Western powers. The attitude towards Hitler is wary, repeated attempts to create a European security system.
The third stage, the crisis of international relations, 1939-1940.	Having failed in attempts to reach a normal agreement with France and England, USSR politicians began a new rapprochement with Germany. International relations deteriorated sharply after the Winter War of 1939 in Finland.

This is what characterized the foreign policy of the USSR in the 20s and 30s.

This period was one of the most difficult in the life of the state. Having broken the resistance of most of the republics that did not want to join the Union, and having unsuccessfully completed the Bolshevik-Polish war, the USSR embarked on the path of establishing its own statehood. Immediately after the founding of the Union, the fight against dissent began. In the early 20s, the Socialist Revolutionaries were tried in the USSR, active counter-revolutionary propaganda was carried out, and the fight against the White Guards and local resistance from rebel armies was completed.

The socialism under construction showed its inconsistency, which is why the country's top leadership decided to “retreat to capitalism” and the New Economic Policy was introduced. At the same time, the pressure of all opposition movements continued; in 1924, the complete suppression of the Mensheviks was completed, they were completely discredited in front of the public, although Lenin did not dare to demonstrably destroy them, preferring a slow, wholesale destruction through “exposures” of members of the Menshevik movement.

During the Civil War, the Bolshevik Party had supreme authority In the USSR, here, in fact, an authoritarian regime reigned. The key body, completely controlled by the Bolsheviks, was the Politburo of the Central Committee of the RCP (b). Under Lenin, this body did not have much power, but after his illness its influence increased. I.V. became the General Secretary of the Central Committee. Dzhugashvili (Comrade Stalin), for whom this was a serious step in achieving absolute personal power, although Lenin tried to prevent him from doing this.
Dzhugashvili abandoned the idea of ​​“exporting revolution” and presented a new idea, according to which socialism could be built within one country. His theses were adopted in 1926, after which the NEP began to be folded, and a new attempt to build socialism began. Dzhugashvili's main opponent in the political arena, Trotsky, was defeated and expelled from the USSR.

According to Dzhugashvili, small peasant farms could not provide the country with everything necessary; he accused the so-called “kulaks”, who produce the bulk of agricultural products in the country, of sabotage. The country began an active transition to industrialization, the policy of the central government became more stringent - compliance with the set standards was demanded from the center, regardless of any circumstances. Describing the USSR in the 20s briefly, it must be added that at the end of this period, Dzhugashvili began to promote the idea that the failure of socialism was not to blame for the inept actions of the authorities, but for the so-called “enemies of the people.” During this period, the bloody machine of Stalin's repressions was just beginning to gain momentum.

This is a great and powerful country that existed in the twentieth century. It has left its mark in world history as a leading country. But there was a time when the USSR also sought recognition of European states, starting to develop from the very bottom.

Background

The beginning of the twentieth century was marked for Russian Empire nearby historically important events: First world war, February October Revolution, the overthrow of the House of Romanov and the formation of a new state. From this moment a new page begins in the history of the Russian state - the history of the USSR. The government led by Vladimir Ilyich Lenin laid the basis for the development of the newly formed state on the idea of ​​achieving socialism.

World recognition of the USSR in the 20-30s of the XX century

Despite the fact that the overthrow of the monarchy and the transformation of the state occurred in 1917, the country received international recognition after the 20s. The foreign policy of the USSR in the 20-30s was primarily aimed at recognizing the newly formed state throughout the world.

After a premature exit from the First World War and refusal to pay tsarist debts, the USSR fell out of favor with the world's leading states. However, in 1922, after the official unification of Ukraine, Belarus, Transcaucasia and Russia into a single Union, a period of diplomatic recognition of the USSR began. It was possible to achieve European predisposition and lift the economic blockade thanks to the first People's Commissars for Foreign Affairs. This position was held at that time by G.V. Chicherin and M.M. Litvinov.

The introduction of the NEP played an important role. The famine of 1921 caused discontent among peasants and workers, which developed into the Kronstadt rebellion. The political system of the USSR in the 20-30s needed to change its direction and was transformed from military communism to a new economic policy. Such changes in the internal government of the country softened the attitude of Western states towards Russia and contributed to their rapprochement in the future.

Estonia was the first to conclude an international treaty with the Soviet Union, after which, within three years, treaties were concluded with 13 more European countries. In 1922, during the Genoa Conference, where the USSR was invited to resolve the conflict between Western countries and Russia, the Treaty of Rapallo was signed with Germany. Later, agreements were signed that resolved issues of borders and economic relations with neighboring countries: Afghanistan, Turkey, Iran. During 1921-22, the Soviet Union signed trade agreements with Norway, England, Austria, Czechoslovakia and Italy. The foreign policy of the USSR began its active development in the 20-30s.

First exacerbations

However, this upswing in foreign policy did not last long, and new conflicts soon emerged. After the death of V.I. Lenin in 1923, internal political clashes occurred between his associates for the vacant position of leader. It was taken over by the determined and ambitious Joseph Stalin. He used any means to achieve his goals. The Generalissimo adhered to such a harsh policy in international relations.

In 1927, a miners' revolt broke out in England. The USSR came out in support of them and planned to provide material assistance. This behavior of the state turned away from the government of England and served as an impetus for the severance of all diplomatic relations. Following England, Canada, the USA, France and Belgium imposed a ban on the supply of goods from the Soviet Union.

After 2 years, a political liberation movement broke out in China, which was also supported by the USSR, but in the end it all ended in defeat and worsening relations with China. They were restored only in 1930 in order to counter the growing aggression from Japan.

Period of global economic crisis

In 1929, an incredible event occurred that led to the development of a global crisis. It went down in history under the name “Black Tuesday”. Suddenly there was a stock market crash on Wall Street. The fall in stocks began on Thursday, but a complete collapse occurred on Tuesday, October 29, 1929. Since most of the European countries that suffered losses during the First World War survived on cash loans from the United States, the fall of the dollar immediately caused these countries to economic crisis. Mass protests began, the unemployment rate increased, and the living conditions of the population worsened. Such problems have contributed to domestic political changes in many countries.

What was the Government of the Soviet Union doing at this time? In the USSR in the 20-30s of the twentieth century, a period of economic growth began. Plans for the first “five-year plans” appeared, and agreements were re-concluded with leading European countries. During the period of the global crisis in the USSR, the export of food products increased significantly: bread, grain, meat and other products. The foreign policy of the USSR in the 20-30s experienced a new rise.

The situation of the USSR at the end of the 30s

The crisis was suppressed only in mid-1933. At the same time, an important change occurred that significantly influenced the course of history - Adolf Hitler came to power in Germany. While the world's leading countries were busy solving internal political problems, the development of the military industry began in Germany, bypassing the terms of the Treaty of Versailles.

The Union again managed to regain the favor of European states and strengthen its position. The foreign policy of the USSR in the 20-30s moved to a new level of European relations. This is evidenced by the Union's entry into the League of Nations in 1934. In connection with the events taking place in Germany, the USSR came up with a proposal to create a system of general security in Europe.

A year later, mutual assistance agreements were signed with France and Czechoslovakia in the event of an attack by one of the European states, which tacitly meant Germany. One by one, China, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia began to conclude similar documents with the Union.

In turn, Germany creates an alliance with Japan and later with Italy. Gradually, aggressive actions on the part of Germany began in relation to nearby countries.

Active foreign policy activities of the USSR

From 1936 to 1941, the Soviet Union was active in foreign policy, supporting the Spanish government in the fight against rebels sponsored by Germany and Italy. The USSR helped China in the confrontation with Japan. At the same time, in 1933, the Soviet Union attacked Finland. As a result, the northern part of Karelia was annexed to the state. This behavior outraged the governments of European countries. As a result, the USSR was expelled from the League of Nations.

The situation in Europe changed dramatically, as did the foreign policy of the USSR. M. Litvinov was replaced by V.M. Molotov. In light of recent events, the Soviet Union decided to take a serious step - signing a secret non-aggression pact with Germany, known in the history of the USSR as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. A week later, German troops entered Polish territory, starting World War II.

The end of the First World War (the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919), the civil war and foreign intervention in Russia created new conditions in international relations. An important factor was the existence of the Soviet state as a fundamentally new socio-political system. A confrontation arose between the Soviet state and the leading countries of the capitalist world. It was this line that prevailed in international relations in the 20-30s of the 20th century. At the same time, contradictions between the largest capitalist states themselves, as well as between them and the “awakening” countries of the East, intensified. In the 1930s, the balance of international political forces was largely determined by the increasing aggression of the militaristic states of Germany, Italy and Japan.

The foreign policy of the Soviet state, while maintaining continuity with the policy of the Russian Empire in the implementation of geopolitical tasks, differed from it in its new nature and methods of implementation. It was characterized by an ideology of foreign policy based on two provisions formulated by V.I. Lenin.

The first provision is the principle of proletarian internationalism, which provides for mutual assistance in the struggle of the international working class and anti-capitalist national movements in underdeveloped countries. It was based on the Bolsheviks' belief in an imminent socialist revolution on a global scale. To develop this principle, the Communist International (Comintern) was created in Moscow in 1919. It included many left-wing socialist parties in Europe and Asia that switched to Bolshevik (communist) positions. Since its founding, the Comintern has been used by Soviet Russia to interfere in the internal affairs of many countries around the world, which strained its relations with other countries.

The second position, the principle of peaceful coexistence with the capitalist system, was determined by the need to strengthen the position of the Soviet state in the international arena, break out of political and economic isolation, and ensure the security of its borders. It meant recognition of the possibility of peaceful cooperation and, first of all, the development of economic ties with the West. The inconsistency of these two fundamental provisions caused inconsistency in the foreign policy actions of the young Soviet state.

The West's policy towards Soviet Russia was no less contradictory. On the one hand, he sought to strangle the new political system and isolate it politically and economically. On the other hand, the leading powers of the world set themselves the task of compensating for the loss cash and material property lost after October. They also pursued the goal of re-opening Russia to gain access to its raw materials and the penetration of foreign capital and goods into it.

FOREIGN POLICY IN THE 1920s

In the early 20s, relations between Soviet Russia and the West underwent significant changes. This was facilitated by the failure of direct military intervention, the intensifying crisis of overproduction and the growth of the labor movement in capitalist countries. The introduction of the NEP was seen by European governments as a weakening of the Bolshevik political system and a factor opening up the possibility of economic cooperation. For my part. Soviet Russia needed help from developed capitalist countries to restore the destroyed national economy.

In 1921-1922 trade agreements were concluded between Russia and England, Austria, Norway, etc. They also contained obligations to abandon mutual hostile propaganda. At the same time, treaties were signed and political and economic contacts were established with neighboring Western states formed as a result of the collapse of the Russian Empire, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland.

Of great importance was the strengthening of relations between the young Soviet state and its eastern neighbors. In 1921, the RSFSR signed treaties with Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey. These documents resolved controversial border and property issues and proclaimed the principles of mutual recognition and mutual assistance. These agreements expanded the sphere of influence of Soviet Russia in the East.

The Soviet-Mongolian Treaty of 1921 actually meant the establishment of a protectorate of Soviet Russia over Mongolia and the first experience of “exporting revolution.” Units of the Red Army brought into this country supported the Mongol revolution and strengthened the regime of its leader Sukhbaatar.

Genoa Conference. In 1921, the Soviet government proposed to the Western powers to convene an international conference to resolve controversial issues and legal recognition of Soviet Russia. In April 1922, the Genoa Conference opened. 29 states took part in it: Russia, England, France, Germany, etc.

The Western powers presented joint demands to Russia: to compensate for the debts of the Tsarist and Provisional governments (18 billion rubles in gold); return Western property nationalized by the Bolsheviks on the territory of the former Russian Empire; abolish the monopoly of foreign trade and open the way for foreign capital;

stop revolutionary propaganda in their countries.

The Soviet government put forward its own conditions: to compensate for the damage caused by foreign intervention during the civil war (39 billion rubles); ensure broad economic cooperation based on long-term Western loans; accept the Soviet program of general reduction of armaments and prohibition of the most barbaric methods of warfare.

The negotiations have stalled due to mutual unwillingness to reach a political compromise. However, during the conference, a split emerged among the Western powers.

Germany, due to its difficult political and economic situation, agreed to cooperate with Soviet Russia. A Soviet-German treaty was signed in Rapallo, a suburb of Genoa. On the part of Germany, it meant political recognition of Soviet Russia, the establishment of diplomatic relations and broad economic cooperation with it. Russia recognized Germany, defeated in the First World War, as an equal partner, and opened its domestic market for the sale of German industrial products. Both of them refused mutual monetary claims. On the basis of the Rapallo Treaty of 1922, Soviet-German relations developed in the 1920s in a friendly direction.

Relations with other European states (England and France) were complex. In 1923, a conflict arose between the USSR and Great Britain. She presented a note to the Soviet government (Curzon's ultimatum), in which she protested against the expansion of Russian influence in the Near and Middle East. After some time, the conflict was settled through diplomatic means; the parties stated that they considered it settled.

International recognition of the USSR. In 1924, England, extremely interested in trade with Russia, was the first to officially recognize the Soviet state. Following her, it was recognized by Italy, France and other countries of the world. The streak of diplomatic recognition was caused by three reasons: a change in the internal political situation in Western countries (the coming to power of right-wing socialist forces), a broad social movement in support of the USSR and the economic interests of capitalist states. In 1924-1925 The Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with states of different continents and concluded a number of trade agreements. Of the leading capitalist powers, only the United States remained in the position of political non-recognition of the USSR. The exit from international isolation was the main result of the foreign policy of the Soviet Union in the first half of the 20s.

In the second half of the 1920s, the official foreign policy course of the Soviet government was aimed at strengthening its international prestige, developing economic cooperation with capitalist countries, and solving the problems of disarmament and international security. In 1926, a non-aggression and neutrality treaty was signed with Germany. In 1927, the USSR came out with a declaration on the need for complete disarmament, and in 1928 with a draft convention on arms reduction. Although the West rejected these proposals, the USSR joined the Kellogg Briand Pact of 1928, which called for the renunciation of war as a means of resolving interstate disputes. Attempts by all parties in the 1920s to ensure peace in Europe were largely propaganda in nature and were doomed to failure due to the prevailing international situation.

The implementation of the official foreign policy line of the Soviet government was complicated by its intervention (through the Comintern) in the internal affairs of other states. In particular, in 1926, material assistance was provided to striking British workers, which was painfully perceived by the British authorities. Under the slogan of proletarian internationalism, the USSR intervened in the internal affairs of China. Support for pro-communist forces (Mao Zedong) in their struggle against the Kuomintang government led to a breakdown in Soviet-Chinese relations. In the summer and autumn of 1929, an armed conflict occurred between Soviet troops and the army of Chiang Kai-shek in Northern Manchuria (in the region of the Chinese Eastern Railway). Relations between the USSR and China were restored in the early 30s under the influence of Japanese aggression in the Far East.

To strengthen the security of its southern borders, the USSR expanded its influence in Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey. In the mid-20s, new agreements of a political and economic nature were concluded with them.

The USSR's policy in the East and the activities of the Comintern complicated relations with the West. Great Britain broke off diplomatic and trade relations with the Soviet Union in 1927. The governments of the USA, France, Belgium and Canada imposed an embargo on the supply of Soviet goods to their countries.

In 1928, the VI Congress of the Comintern took place, which largely determined the main directions of the foreign policy of the Soviet government. He noted the increasing tension in international relations and declared the Social Democrats of Europe his main political opponent. In this regard, a line was proclaimed to refuse all cooperation and fight against them. These conclusions were wrong. In fact, they led to the self-isolation of the international communist movement and contributed to the rise of right-wing extremist (fascist) forces in a number of countries.

FOREIGN POLICY IN THE 1930s

In the late 20s and early 30s, the international situation changed significantly. The deep global economic crisis that began in 1929 caused serious internal political changes in all capitalist countries. In some (England, France, etc.) he brought to power forces that sought to carry out broad internal reforms of a democratic nature. In others (Germany, Italy), the crisis contributed to the formation of anti-democratic (fascist) regimes that used social demagoguery in domestic politics simultaneously with the unleashing of political terror, the intensification of chauvinism and militarism. It was these regimes that became the instigators of new military conflicts (especially after A. Hitler came to power in Germany in 1933).

Hotbeds of international tension began to form at a rapid pace. One developed in Europe due to the aggressiveness of fascist Germany and Italy. The second in the Far East due to the hegemonic claims of the Japanese militarists.

Taking these factors into account, in 1933 the Soviet government defined new tasks for its foreign policy: refusal to participate in international conflicts, especially those of a military nature; recognition of the possibility of cooperation with democratic Western countries to curb the aggressive aspirations of Germany and Japan (the policy of “appeasement”); the struggle for the creation of a collective security system in Europe and the Far East.

In the first half of the 1930s, the USSR achieved further strengthening of its position in the international arena. At the end of 1933, the United States recognized the Soviet Union and diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. The normalization of political relations between the USA and the USSR had a beneficial effect on their trade and economic ties. In September 1934, the Soviet Union was admitted to the League of Nations and became a permanent member of its Council. In 1935, Soviet-French and Soviet-Czechoslovak treaties on mutual assistance were signed in the event of any aggression against them in Europe.

However, in the mid-1930s, the foreign policy activities of the Soviet leadership began to move away from the principle of non-interference in international conflicts. In 1936, the USSR provided assistance to the government of the Popular Front of Spain with weapons and military specialists to fight General F. Franco. He, in turn, received broad political and military support from Germany and Italy. France and England adhered to neutrality. The United States shared the same position, prohibiting the Spanish government from purchasing American weapons. The Spanish Civil War ended in 1939 with the victory of the Francoists.

The policy of “appeasement” pursued by the Western powers towards Germany, Italy and Japan did not produce positive results. International tensions increased. In 1935, Germany sent troops into the demilitarized Rhineland; Italy attacked Ethiopia. In 1936, Germany and Japan signed an agreement directed against the Soviet Union (Anti-Comintern Pact). Relying on German support, Japan launched a large-scale military operation against China in 1937.

The territorial claims of Hitler's Germany were especially dangerous for the preservation of peace and security in Europe. In March 1938, Germany carried out the Anschluss (annexation) of Austria. Hitler's aggression also threatened Czechoslovakia. Therefore, the USSR came out in defense of its territorial integrity. Based on the 1935 treaty, the Soviet government offered its assistance and moved 30 divisions, aircraft and tanks to the western border. However, the government of E. Benes refused it and complied with A. Hitler’s demand to transfer to Germany the Sudetenland, populated mainly by Germans.

The Western powers pursued a policy of concessions to Nazi Germany, hoping to create a reliable counterweight against the USSR and direct its aggression to the east. The culmination of this policy was the Munich Agreement (September 1938) between Germany, Italy, England and France. It legally formalized the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia. Feeling its strength, Germany occupied all of Czechoslovakia in 1930.

In the Far East, Japan, having captured most of China, approached the Soviet borders. In the summer of 1938, an armed conflict occurred on the territory of the USSR in the area of ​​Lake Khasan. The Japanese group was repulsed. In May 1939, Japanese troops invaded Mongolia. Units of the Red Army under the command of G.K^TsKukov defeated them in the area of ​​the Khalkhin Gol River.

At the beginning of 1939, the last attempt was made to create a system of collective security between England, France and the Soviet Union. However, Western states did not believe in the potential ability of the USSR to resist fascist aggression. Therefore, they delayed the negotiations in every possible way. In addition, Poland categorically refused to guarantee passage Soviet troops through its territory to repel the expected fascist aggression. At the same time, Great Britain established secret contacts with Germany in order to reach agreement on a wide range of political problems (including the neutralization of the USSR in the international arena).

The Soviet government knew that the German army was already in full readiness to attack Poland. Realizing the inevitability of war and its unpreparedness for it, it sharply changed its foreign policy orientation and moved towards rapprochement with Germany. On August 23, 1939, a Soviet-German non-aggression pact was concluded in Moscow, which entered into force immediately and lasted for 10 years (Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact). Attached to it was a secret protocol on the delimitation of spheres of influence in Eastern Europe. The interests of the Soviet Union were recognized by Germany in the Baltic states (Latvia, Estonia, Finland) and Bessarabia.

On September 1, 1939, Germany attacked Poland. Poland's allies Great Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3. However, they did not provide real military assistance to the Polish government, which ensured A. Hitler a quick victory. The Second World War began.

In the new international conditions, the leadership of the USSR began to implement the Soviet-German agreements of August 1939 on September 17, after the Germans defeated the Polish army and the fall of the Polish government. The Red Army entered Western Belarus and Western Ukraine. On September 28, the Soviet-German Treaty “On Friendship and Border” was concluded, securing these lands as part of the Soviet Union. At the same time, the USSR insisted on concluding agreements with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, receiving the right to station its troops on their territory. In these republics, in the presence of Soviet troops, legislative elections were held, in which communist forces won. In 1940, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania became part of the USSR.

In November 1939, the USSR began a war with Finland in the hope of its quick defeat and the creation of a pro-communist government in it. There was also a military-strategic need to ensure the security of Leningrad by moving the Soviet-Finnish border away from it in the area of ​​the Karelian Isthmus. Military operations were accompanied by huge losses on the part of the Red Army. They demonstrated her poor preparedness. Stubborn resistance of the Finnish army was ensured by the deeply echeloned defensive "Mannerheim Line". Western states provided Finland with political support. The USSR, under the pretext of its aggression, was expelled from the League of Nations. At the cost of enormous efforts, the resistance of the Finnish armed forces was broken. In March 1940, a Soviet-Finnish peace treaty was signed, according to which the USSR received the entire Karelian Isthmus.

In the summer of 1940, as a result of political pressure, Romania ceded Soviet Union Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina.

As a result, large territories with a population of 14 million people were included in the USSR. The country's border has moved in the west in different places to a distance of 300 to 600 km. The foreign policy agreements of 1939 helped delay the German attack on the Soviet Union for almost two years.

The Soviet leadership agreed to an agreement with Nazi Germany, whose ideology and policies it had previously condemned. Such a turn could be carried out under conditions state system, all internal means of propaganda of which were aimed at justifying the actions of the government and forming a new attitude of Soviet society towards the Hitler regime.

If the Non-Aggression Pact, signed in August 1939, was to a certain extent a forced step for the USSR, then the secret protocol, the Treaty on Friendship and Borders, and other foreign policy actions of the Stalinist government carried out on the eve of the war did not take into account the interests of different states and peoples Eastern Europe.