The document discusses the geopolitical situation in Europe in the late 1930s and early 1940s. It notes that Stalin and the USSR were seen as villains like Hitler at the time. It then outlines that the USSR invaded and took control of several countries, including signing a non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany. However, everything changed in 1941 when Germany invaded the USSR, marking the decisive stage of World War 2 in which the USSR defeated Germany, but at tremendous cost.

5. It is worth remembering that in Britain and the USA 1939-40 Stalin appeared to be just as much a villain as Hitler. The USSR was still isolated as the world ’ s only communist country. The turmoil of the Purges and Stalin ’ s reputation. In August 1939 Soviet leader Stalin signed a Non- Aggression Pact with German leader, Adolf Hitler. In September 1939 Hitler and Stalin both attacked Poland and divided the country up between them. In November 1939 the USSR attacked Finland. In June-July 1940 the USSR invaded and took control of Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia.

8. In November 1939 the USSR attacked Finland

9. In June‐July 1940 the USSR invaded and took control of Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia. In 1940 Britain was the only European country at war with Germany and Italy.

10. But in June 1941 everything changed. Hitler turned on Stalin and invaded the USSR. The decisive conflict of World War 2 began, which Stalin won, but at a terrible cost.

13. The next activity focuses on the relationship between the wartime allies Britain, the USA and the USSR. The sources will look at how the allies worked together, and how the allies wanted their own people to see this co-operation.

14. But how the differences and mistrust were still there!

15. TASK Use the answer sheet that you filled out while viewing the 10 sources around the room and answer the following question in 2-3 paragraphs (no more than 4; no less than 2): Describe or analyse the relationship between the Allies using evidence from the 10 sources to support each point that you make (2-3 points) in your response.