Question

Why was Stalin eager to expand the borders of the USSR (into Germany and Poland)?

a) To establish peaceful relations with neighboring countries
b) To promote democratic ideals
c) To create a buffer zone of friendly nations
d) To spread communism worldwide

Answer 1

Stalin aimed to expand the USSR's borders into Germany and Poland to create a buffer zone of friendly nations for protection against Western attacks, not to promote peaceful or democratic relations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Joseph Stalin's eagerness to expand the borders of the USSR into Germany and Poland, particularly after World War II, was primarily motivated by his desire to create a buffer zone of friendly nations. This strategy was intended to protect the Soviet Union from future invasions and attacks from Western countries. With a history marked by devastating wars, Stalin sought to establish a security cordon through satellite states under Soviet influence.

The annexation of Polish territory during the Soviet-Nazi non-aggression pact, the setting up of one-party communist states in Eastern Europe, and the pursuit of territorial gains were all driven by this objective. These measures were not just about expanding Soviet territory but were aimed at creating a formidable regional bloc that would align with Moscow's ideological and security interests.