How did Russia's treaty with Germany affect the Allied troops?
1 Answer
Not much.
Explanation:
On August 22 1939 Germany signed a non-aggression treaty with Russia. At that point the war in Europe had not yet begun. The war began a little over a week later when Germany invaded Poland on September 1.
A few month later Russia attacked Finland in what is known as "The Winter War." To the surprise of everyone, Finland won that war. And Russia seemed quite vulnerable.
The western nations of Europe had a long uneasy peace with the USSR since the Russian Revolution of 1917. Old British and French alliances with Russia dissolved.
The non-aggression treaty was curious because neither side trusted the other. It was particularly curious because Hitler had long stated his hatred for Communists.
The allies had no expectation of help from Russia so the treaty may have surprised them but did not change their plans.
