Germany and Soviet Union Re-establish Relations

April 16th, 1922

April 16th, 1922

Germany and Soviet Union Re-establish Relations
How Long Ago?

102 years, 10 months, 27 days ago

Location

Rapallo, Italy

Category

Politics & Government

People
  • Georgy Chicherin
  • Walther Rathenau
Links & References
Tags

Germany and Soviet Union Re-establish Relations

The Treaty of Rapallo was signed between Germany and the Soviet Union, marking the re-establishment of diplomatic relations. The treaty was negotiated in Rapallo, Italy, by German Foreign Minister Walther Rathenau and Soviet Foreign Minister Georgy Chicherin. It aimed to strengthen economic and military cooperation between the two nations, promoting mutual interests after World War I and the ensuing isolation both faced. This agreement provided a foundation for future collaboration and was pivotal in shaping European political dynamics in the interwar period.

Signed by Rathenau and Chicherin in Rapallo.

Focused on economic and military cooperation.

Countered the isolation faced by both nations.

Set the stage for future alliances in Europe.

What Happened?

The Treaty of Rapallo was signed in April 1922, during a time when both Germany and the Soviet Union found themselves diplomatically isolated after World War I. The treaty was signed in the Italian coastal town of Rapallo by German Foreign Minister Walther Rathenau and Soviet Foreign Minister Georgy Chicherin. It established a degree of mutual recognition and cooperation between the two nations, who were both facing significant challenges in the post-war environment. Germany was grappling with the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, while the Soviet Union was attempting to solidify its power following the Russian Revolution and ensuing civil war.

The treaty included provisions for the normalization of diplomatic relations and the establishment of economic ties. This was significant, as it allowed Germany to engage with the Soviet Union primarily to circumvent its own restrictions from the Versailles settlement. The economic aspect of the treaty encouraged cooperation in areas such as trade, industrial processes, and military technology. The agreement underscored the ideological affinity between the two states, presenting a counterbalance to the Western powers.

In the years following the treaty, the collaboration deepened, resulting in various military pacts and joint ventures, notably in the fields of arms development and military training. This partnership would serve both countries' interests until the rise of Adolf Hitler, which fundamentally altered the nature of Germany's foreign policy and its relationship with the Soviet Union.

Why Does it Matter?

The Treaty of Rapallo is interesting because it marked a significant shift in European diplomacy, allowing two nations shunned by the international community to forge an alliance based on mutual benefit. Its implications were profound, paving the way for increased military cooperation and later influencing the geopolitical landscape leading up to World War II. The partnership exemplified how nations could realign their foreign policies amid changing global dynamics.

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