AP Success - AP World History: Analyzing Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
"Article I: Both High Contracting Parties obligate, themselves to desist from any act of violence, any aggressive action, and any attack on each other, either individually or jointly with other powers.
Article VI: The present treaty is concluded for a period of ten years, with the provision that, in so far as one of the High Contracting Parties does not denounce it one year prior to the expiration of this period, the validity of this treaty shall automatically be extended for another five years."
Treaty of Nonaggression Between Germany and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. (1939)
Question 1
Which of the following best describes the nature of the agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union as outlined in the provided source?
A mutual defense treaty to support each other in case of an attack by a third party
An economic alliance for shared resources and trade benefits
A nonaggression pact to prevent conflict between the two nations
A secret agreement to divide Eastern Europe into spheres of influence
Question 2
The duration of the treaty as mentioned in Article VI suggests that the High Contracting Parties were:
Seeking a long-term assurance of peace but with an option for reassessment
Planning for an inevitable conflict after a decade
Creating a short-term arrangement to address immediate security concerns
Establishing a permanent alliance with no intention of reevaluation
Question 3
The Treaty of Nonaggression between Germany and the Soviet Union is historically significant because it:
Allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention
Marked the beginning of the Cold War between the Soviet Union and Western powers
Led to the immediate formation of the Axis Powers
Formally ended World War I reparations imposed on Germany
Question 4
The provision for automatic extension of the treaty unless denounced by one party indicates that:
Both parties sought to maintain the status quo without frequent renegotiations
The treaty was merely a formality and not intended to be upheld by either side
The Soviet Union was confident in Germany's long-term commitment to peace
Germany intended to use the treaty as a pretext for later military expansion
Question 5
In the context of the late 1930s, the agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union was primarily a reflection of:
Realpolitik and the desire of both nations to secure their strategic interests
A mutual understanding of the need to dismantle colonial empires
A shared ideological commitment to communism
The establishment of a bilateral trade agreement to boost both economies
Teach with AI superpowers
Why teachers love Class Companion
Import assignments to get started in no time.
Create your own rubric to customize the AI feedback to your liking.
Overrule the AI feedback if a student disputes.