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[[File: Stalin and Ribbentrop.jpg|thumbnail|200px250px|left|Stalin and Ribbentrop after signing pact 1939.]]Joseph Stalin reacted extremely slowly to the invasion of his country by German forces in 1940. Indeed, not only did he react slowly, but he also ignored warnings that the Germans planned to attack his country. Stalin's response to the Nazi German invasion has perplexed historians for many years. It seems that the Soviet Leader had placed his trust in Hitler , and this almost led to the defeat of the Soviet Union. The article will show that Stalin's response to Hitler's invasion was slow and disorganized especially in the first days of the war. Stalin's response was so slow and ineffective because he had made the fatal mistake of trusting Hitler. However, Stalin was to take charge of the situation and he made changes to his military and diplomatic policy that at first slowed the German advance and then stopped it before Moscow in December 1941.

==Background==[[How Joseph Stalin became the leader of the Soviet Union|Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin]] ruled over the Soviet Union between 1920 's response to Hitler's invasion was slow and 1953 acting as the supreme leader of the USSR. Holding the post of the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, he was effectively the dictator of the state. Stalin introduced his own highly centralized command economydisorganized, launching a period of industrialization and collectivization that resulted especially in the rapid transformation first days of the USSR from an agrarian society into an industrial global powerwar. Between 1934 and 1939 Stalin mercilessly carried out a series of massive political extra-judicial executions, known as the Great Purge, of major Communist Party and government rival figures as well as many Red Army high commanders without any proper trials - all convicted of alleged treason or considered a threat. These “enemies of the working class” were imprisoned, exiled, sent to forced labor camps or executed, without due process's response was ineffective because he trusted Hitler.In the meantimeHowever, Germany revitalized under Adolf Hitler’s leadership, worked to revise the post-World War I organizational structure Stalin took charge of Europe, imposed by the United States, England, situation and France. Hitler changed his military and Stalin seemed to be natural enemies. [[The Nazi triumph: how did Adolf Hitler become the Fuehrer of Germany?|Adolf Hitler]] loathed diplomatic policy that at first slowed the Communists and Stalin publicly denounced the Nazis. The two regimes were ideological enemies German advance and then stopped it before it seemed to many observers that a war between the two was inevitable at some stage. <ref>Boobbyer, Phillip <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415182980/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0415182980&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=be2a9195cf0017e9147f778e95d45fbe The Stalin Era]</i> (Routledge, London, 2000),preached Moscow in December 1941. 178</ref>

==The Molotov–Ribbentrop Non-Aggression PactWas war between the Soviet Union and Germany inevitable? ==[[File: Molotov.jpgHow Joseph Stalin became the leader of the Soviet Union|thumbnail|300px|left|Ribbentrop and Molotov in Berlin, 1940Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin]]After ruled over the Nazis rose to power in Germany in 1933, relations Soviet Union between Germany 1920 and the Soviet Union1953, acting as the two sworn enemy regimes, began to deteriorate rapidly, and trade between supreme leader of the two countries decreased and almost frozeUSSR. The Holding the post of the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union had generally good relations with , he was effectively the Weimar Republic.<ref>Boobyer, p 198</ref> Following several years dictator of tension and rivalry, Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union eventually began to improve relations in 1939state. German Stalin introduced his own highly centralized command economy thrived by exporting manufactured goods , launching a period of industrialization and industrial equipment around the world collectivization that resulted in exchange for importing raw materials. On the other hand, the USSR was still 's rapid transformation from an agrarian state. While it was rich in natural resources, it was struggling to transition to society into an more industrial economyglobal power. The Soviets were forced to purchase Between 1934 and import more than half 1939, Stalin mercilessly carried out a series of massive political extra-judicial executions, known as the necessary factory machinery from the United States. The pact was appealing to both Stalin Great Purge, of major Communist Party and Hitler because they were both at odds with the Westgovernment rival figures as well as many Red Army high commanders without any proper trials - all convicted of alleged treason or considered a threat. Driven by their mutual resentment for These “enemies of the Westworking class” were imprisoned, exiled, sent to forced labor camps or executed, USSR and Nazi Germany interests briefly aligned and they moved towards [[The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact- Stalin’s greatest mistake?|German-Soviet cooperation and an alliance]]without due process.

In 1939the meantime, London and Paris invited Moscow Germany revitalized under Adolf Hitler’s leadership, worked to corevise the post-sign an Anglo-French guarantee to protect Poland World War I organizational structure of Europe, imposed by the United States, England, and Romania from possible German aggressionFrance. The Soviets agreed only upon permission from Lithuania, PolandAt the same time, Germany and Romania to allow the free passage of Soviet troops in the event of war. However, Poland refused to grant its permission because they justifiably feared that Soviets wanted to use these as a pretext USST appeared to take over its territorybe natural enemies. The West prolonged Soviet-Allied negotiations since [[How did Hitler become the Great Powers feared the spread Dictator and Fuhrer of Germany?|Adolf Hitler]] loathed the communist regime Communists, and considered Stalin publicly denounced the Soviet Union as an outlaw state for its established social and political structures through internal subversion, armed violenceNational Socialist Party. The two regimes were ideological enemies, and terrorism. USSR in its turn advocated it seemed to many observers that a war between the overthrow of all capitalist regimestwo was inevitable at some stage.<ref>Stalin's Secret War Plans: Why Hitler Invaded the Soviet Union - Boobbyer, Phillip http<i>[https://www.wintersonnenwendeamazon.com/scriptoriumgp/englishproduct/archives0415182980/articlesref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0415182980&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=be2a9195cf0017e9147f778e95d45fbe The Stalin Era]</stalwarplansi> (Routledge, London, 2000),p.html178</ref>

After == What was The Molotov–Ribbentrop Non-Aggression Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union's negotiations feel apart with Britain USSR? ==[[File: Molotov.jpg|thumbnail|250px|left|Ribbentrop and FranceMolotov in Berlin, Stalin turned 1940]]After the National Socialist Party rose to power in Germany. As a result, on the 23rd of August 1939in 1933, relations between Germany and the Soviet Union entered into a non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany. The pact, known as [http://dailyhistory.org/The_Molotov-Ribbentrop_Pact-_Stalin%E2%80%99s_greatest_mistake%3F Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact], was named after the USSR and Nazis foreign affairs political figures at the time. This Hitler allayed fears of a two front war in Europe. Moreoversworn enemy regimes, began to deteriorate rapidly, Stalin and Hitler signed numerous secret protocols dividing trade between the entire territory of Eastern Europe into Soviet two countries decreased and Nazi spheres of influencealmost froze. The Soviets would recover eastern PolandSoviet Union generally had good relations with the Weimar Republic.<ref>Boobyer, formerly part of Imperial Russia. The Germans also supported the USSR's claims on Bessarabia (eastern part p 198</ref> Following several years of Romania) tension and agreed to define Eastern Europe's Baltic (Polandrivalry, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania) Germany and Balkan states as belonging to the Soviet “sphere of interestUnion eventually improved relations in 1939.” Furthermore, after signing the pact, the countries rapidly expanded their economic relationship The German economy thrived by entering into a commercial agreement whereby the Soviet Union sent critical raw materials exporting manufactured goods and ingredients to Germany industrial equipment worldwide in exchange for weaponsimporting raw materials. On the other hand, military technologythe USSR was still an agrarian state. While it was rich in natural resources, civilian it was struggling to transition to a more industrial economy. The Soviets were forced to purchase and manufacturing import more than half of the necessary factory machineryfrom the United States. The pact was appealing to the two leaders because they were both at odds with the West. ThereafterDriven by their mutual resentment for the West, the USSR's and Germany received significant amounts of petroleum's interests briefly aligned, grain, rubber and manganese, all necessary for its future war effortsthey moved towards [[The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact- Stalin’s greatest mistake?|German-Soviet cooperation and an alliance]].

==In 1939, London and Paris invited Moscow to co-sign an Anglo-French guarantee to protect Poland and Romania from possible German aggression. The Soviets agreed only upon permission from Lithuania, Poland, and Romania to allow the free passage of Soviet troops in the war. However, Poland refused to grant its permission because they justifiably feared that the Soviets wanted to use these as a pretext to take over its territory. The West prolonged Soviet-Allied negotiations since the Great Powers feared the spread of the communist regime and considered the Soviet Union as an outlaw state for its established social and political structures through internal subversion, armed violence, and terrorism. USSR, in its turn, advocated the overthrow of all capitalist regimes.<ref>Stalin's Secret War Plans: Why Hitler Invaded the Soviet Union</ref> After the Soviet Union's negotiations fell apart with Britain and France, Stalin turned to Germany. As a result, on the 23rd of August 1939, the Soviet Union entered into a non-aggression pact with Germany. The pact, known as [The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact- Stalin’s greatest mistake?| Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact], was named after the leadership of the USSR's and Germany' Violation s foreign affairs. Hitler allayed his fears of a two-front war in Europe. Moreover, Stalin and Hitler signed numerous secret protocols dividing Eastern Europe into Soviet and German spheres of influence. The Soviets would recover eastern Poland, formerly part of Imperial Russia. The Germans also supported the USSR's claims on Bessarabia (eastern part of Romania). They agreed to define Eastern Europe's Baltic (Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania) and Balkan states as belonging to the Soviet “sphere of interest.” Furthermore, after signing the pact, the countries rapidly expanded their economic relationship by entering into a commercial agreement whereby the Soviet Union sent critical raw materials and ingredients to Germany to exchange weapons, military technology, civilian and manufacturing machinery. Thereafter, Germany received significant petroleum, grain, rubber, and manganese, all necessary for its future war efforts. ==What did the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pactdo? ==[[File:Bundesarchiv_Bild_146-1974-099-19,_Russland,_Angriff_auf_ein_Dorf.jpg|thumbnail|300pxleft|250px|German Troops in the Soviet Union in 1941]]The two dictators signed secret protocols dividing central Europe between Stalin and Hitler, it . It effectively let lets both the USSR and the NAZIS to Germany invade freely countries listed within their “spheres of influence”influence. However, the agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union 's agreement was not sustainable and ultimately set the stage for the Eastern Front of the World War II. Still, the initial improving relations with Germany meant that the Soviet Union could expand its territory in Eastern Europe unmolested into places such as the Baltic States. Stalin believed that his understanding with Hitler would last , and he became complacent.<ref> Montefiore, Simon Sebag. ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400076781/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400076781&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=eb9848bd0a98d402c5a3cab783e1108d Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar]''. (London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2003), p. 117</ref>

On 1 September 1939, within days of signing the pact and the secret protocols, Hitler invaded Poland, now confident that the Soviets would not oppose him. In response, Britain and France declared war on Germany. A couple of weeks later, the Soviet Union invaded Poland from the east to grab its share. In 1940, the USSR followed up by occupying Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania , and the Bessarabia's Romanian province of Bessarabia. Britain and France protested , but with their forces already at war against Germany, they could not afford to fight Stalin as well. The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact intially initially worked quite well and showed how similar the two states ' goals really were. But this peace it did not last for long.  Once the Soviets seized a generous portion of Eastern Europe, they also tried to invade Finland. Despite being tremendously outnumbered and outgunned, the Finns improvised a defense and made the best of the terrain and the ferocious winter weather. Simultaneously, the German army conquered France without suffering appreciable losses, and the British withdrew from the continent. The Germans were astonished at how badly the Soviets performed against the Finns. This struggle encouraged Germany to attack the USSR. Germany determined that they could defeat Stalin in a rapid campaign ([[What was Blitzkrieg and Who Created it|Blitzkrieg]]) before turning their sights to Brits in the west. <ref>The pact between Hitler and Stalin that paved the way for World War II was signed 75 years ago - http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-08-21/pact-between-hitler-and-stalin-paved-way-world-war-ii-was-signed-75-years-ago</ref> <dh-ad/> == Why did Germany violate the pact with USSR with Operation Barbarossa? == [[File:Barb_2.jpg|thumbnail|255px|left|German soldier in front of BT-7 Panzer tank in Ukraine in 1941]]In addition to weakness, the Soviet's showed in Finland, Germany had also been alarmed by the Soviet Union's seizure of part of Romania. Germany was concerned that Stalin would target the oil fields in Romania. These oil fields were vital to the German war effort. Germany moved several armored divisions into Poland and, in December 1940, issued a directive for the invasion of the Soviet Union, codenamed Operation Barbarossa. Several sources warned Stalin of the imminent threat of a German invasion. Soviet intelligence had monitored the German's actions. Stalin refused to believe it- instead, he continued to assume that Germany would abide by the Molotov-Ribbentrop pact. In the early morning of 22 June 1941, Germany officially violated the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and invaded the Soviet Union.<ref> Montefiore, p. 245</ref> Historians claim that Stalin was stunned by the invasion and refused to accept the news was true. The Soviet leader had also ignored all warnings from the US, British governments, and even his own intelligence officers. Economic and diplomatic relations between the USSR and Germany rapidly deteriorated and were abruptly terminated. The Soviets were not prepared for a war against Germany. The Red Army troops were scattered and dispersed among several fronts.

Once the Soviets seized a generous portion of Eastern EuropeFurthermore, they also tried to invade Finland. Despite being tremendously outnumbered and outgunned, the Finns improvised a defense and made the best Stalin’s purges of army officers in the terrain and 1930s had crippled the ferocious winter weatherSoviet military machine. At During the early days of the same timewar, the German army conquered France without suffering appreciable Red Army lacked trustworthy and skillful generals and suffered several disastrous losses and the British withdrew from the continent. The Germans were astonished at how badly the Soviets performed in fighting with the Finns. This struggle encouraged Germany to attack the USSR. Germany determined that they could defeat Stalin in a rapid campaign ([[How Did the Red Army ultimately allowed German Military Develop Blitzkrieg?|Blitzkrieg]]) before turning their sights troops almost to Brits in reach the westKremlin gates. <ref>The pact between Hitler Joseph Stalin and Stalin that paved the way for World War II was signed 75 years ago - http://www.prihistory.orgcom/storiestopics/2014joseph-08-21stalin</pact-between-hitler-and-stalin-paved-way-world-war-ii-ref> The German assault on the Soviet Union was wildly successful. During the early weeks of Operation Barbarossa, Germany averaged gains of 50 miles a day. This rapid advance was-signed-75-years-agoabetted by the lack of direction from Stalin. For some time, the Red Army languished without any direction from Stalin.<ref> Montefiore, p. 245</ref>

==Operation BarbarossaWhy did Stalin react so slowly to the German Invasion? == [[File:Barb_2.jpg|thumbnail|325px|German soldier in front of BT-7 Panzer tank in Ukraine in 1941]]In addition There are several theories on why Stalin should have reacted so slowly to weakness the Soviet's showed in Finland, Hitler had also been alarmed invasion. Some have speculated that Stalin was so shocked by the Soviet Union's seizure of part invasion and the betrayal by Hitler that he went into a state of Romaniashock. He Some believe that such was concerned his despair that Stalin would target retreated away from the oil fields in Romania. These oil fields are vital world, unable to face the German war effort. Hitler moved divisions into Poland magnitude of his mistake and in December 1940 issued a directive for the invasion consequences of the Soviet Union, codenamed Operation Barbarossahis error in trusting Hitler. Stalin was warned He had assumed that Hitler would abide by several sources the terms of the imminent threat non-aggression pact of a Nazi invasion1939. The Germans actions had been monitored by Soviet IntelligenceSome historians have even suggested that Stalin suffered some nervous breakdown. Another less popular theory is that Stalin refused deliberately withdrew from the scene to believe it- insteadavoid being ousted from power. When he saw that no one was about to challenge his authority, he continued decided to assume that Hitler would abide by control the Molotovsituation. <ref>Bellamy, Chris, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375724710/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0375724710&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-Ribbentrop pact20&linkId=4af9160f8751b9120921c7982235532a Absolute War: Soviet Russia in the Second World War]</i>. New York: Alfred A. Knopf & Random House.2007), p.53</ref>

In ====Stalin leads the early morning of 22 June 1941fightback====However, Hitler officially violated the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and invaded the Soviet Union.<ref> Montefiore, p. 245</ref> Historians claim that within weeks Stalin was stunned by the invasion and refused manages to accept the news was true. The Soviet leader had also ignored all warnings recover from the US, British governments and even his own intelligence officers. Economic shock and diplomatic relations between the USSR and Germany rapidly deteriorated and were abruptly terminated. The Soviets were not prepared called for a war against Germanyreinforcements. The Red Army Although German troops were scattered and dispersed among several fronts. Furthermore, Stalin’s purges had made huge advances into the heartlands of army officers in the 1930s had crippled the Soviet military machine. During Union and the early days rest of the war government had been evacuated from Moscow, Stalin remained in the Red Army lacked trustworthy Kremlin and skillful generals and suffered several disastrous losses. The Red Army ultimately allowed Nazi troops begun to almost reach take control of the Kremlin gatescountry’s ailing military infrastructure. <ref>Joseph Stalin and World War II - http://www.history.com/topics/joseph-stalin</ref> The As German assault on the troops approached Moscow's Soviet Union was wildly successful. During he early weeks of Operation Barbarossacapital, Germany averaged gains of 50 miles Stalin directed a day. This rapid advance was abetted by devastating defensive policy, destroying any supplies or infrastructure that might benefit the lack of direction from Stalinenemy. For some time, the Red Army languished without any direction from Fresh competent USSR military commanders loyal to Stalinwere allowed to control important strategic positions and military divisions.<ref> MontefioreBellamy, p. 245117</ref>

==Theories on Stalin's Inactivity==There are several theories on why Stalin should have reacted so slowly to This scorched earth tactic denied the invasionGermans key supplies. Some have speculated that Stalin This was so shocked by particularly the case as the invasion German supply lines had become extended, and the betrayal by Hitler that he went into a state of shock. Some believe that such was his despair that Stalin retreated away from men at the world unable to face front did not receive the magnitude supplies they needed. The destruction of his mistake the infrastructure and the consequences of his error in trusting Hitler. He had assumed anything else that Hitler would abide could be utilized by the terms of Germans caused immense suffering to the non-aggression pact of 1939Soviet civilian population. Some historians have even suggested that Stalin suffered some kind of nervous breakdown. AnotherHowever, less popular theory is that Stalin deliberately withdrew from it dramatically slowed the scene, to avoid being ousted from powerGerman advance. When he saw that no one was about Stalin's policy contributed to challenge his authority he decided the German army's failure to take control Moscow in the early winter of the situation1941. <ref>Bellamy, Chris, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375724710/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0375724710&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=4af9160f8751b9120921c7982235532a Absolute War: Soviet Russia in the Second World War]</i>. New York: Alfred A. Knopf & Random House.2007), p. 53112</ref>

==How did Stalin leads reorganize the fightbackSoviet Army? ==However, within weeks Stalin manage to recover from After the shock and called for reinforcements. Although German troops had made huge advances into the heartlands invasion of the Soviet Union and the rest poor leadership shown by many Generals, he adopted a new policy that promoted men of ability to positions of authority in the government had been evacuated from Moscowarmed forces, Stalin remained in such as Zhukov. This greatly improved the Kremlin Red Army's leadership and begun allowed it to take control of be more effective against the country’s ailing military infrastructureGerman armies. As German troops approached Stalin also reorganized the Soviet capital of Moscow, Stalin directed a devastating defensive policy, destroying any supplies or infrastructure that might benefit the enemy. Fresh competent USSR military commanders loyal to Stalin were allowed to take control of important strategic positions and military divisionsArmy's High Command. <ref>Bellamy, p. 117</ref> This scorched earth tactic was to deny He established the Germans key suppliesStavka. This was particularly the case as provided the German supply lines had become extended and Red Army with the men at the front did not receive the supplies that they leadership it neededin its life or death struggle with Germany. The policy of destroying the infrastructure and anything else that could be utilized by the Germans caused immense suffering on the Soviet civilian population, howeverStalin supervised Stavka closely, it slowed down the German advancebut he also gave his Generals more authority. <ref>"Stalin's policy contributed to the failure of the German army to take Moscow Role in the early winter of 1941WWII" - http://yesterday.uktv.<ref>Bellamy, pco.112uk/warzone/article/stalins-role-wwii/</ref>

==Stalin reorganizes also sought to raise the Army==After some weeks fighting morale of inactivity, the Supreme troops. He well knew that many ordinary Soviet leader personally took control of citizens were still Russian nationalists at heart and venerated the situationOrthodox Church. Stalin dominated To improve the army 's morale and loyalty, he promoted Russian nationalism, even though, as a Communist, he had placed men in key positions not based upon their ability but based on their personal allegiance was ideologically opposed to himnationalism. The supreme Soviet leader was very afraid that if Furthermore, he gave too much independence to the army, that stopped persecuting the Generals would remove him from powerOrthodox Church. After These measures made Stalin popular with the invasion of the Soviet army and raised the poor leadership shown by many Generals, he adopted a new policy he promoted men morale of ability to positions of authority in the armed forces, such as Zhukovtroops. This greatly improved stiffened their resistance to the leadership invasion of the Red Army and allowed it to be more effective against the Nazi armiesRussian 'Motherland. Stalin also reorganized the Soviet Army's High Command<ref> Zhukov, Georgiĭ Konstantinovich & Harrison E. He established the Stavka, this provided the Red Army with the leadership it needed in the life or death struggle with the Germans. Stalin supervised Stavka closelySalisbury, but he also gave his Generals more authority.<refi>"Stalin's Role in WWII" - http[https://yesterdaywww.uktvamazon.co.ukcom/gp/warzoneproduct/article0356029239/stalinsref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0356029239&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-role-wwii20&linkId=422ccd38a753dde5fbe26d0486b12cb8 Marshal Zhukov's Greatest Battles]</i> (New York: Harper & Row, 1969), p. 116</ref>

== Why did Churchill align with Stalin also sought to raise ? == As the fighting morale German invasion of the troopsRussia progressed. Stalin contacted Western diplomats requesting two agreements. He well knew aimed at reaching a mutual assistance/aid pact and recognition that many ordinary after the war, the Soviet citizens were still Russian nationalists at heart and venerated Union would gain the territories in countries that it would take war actions against Hitler on the Orthodox ChurchEastern front. In order to improve the morale [[How did Winston Churchill become Prime Minister of the army and their loyalty, he promoted Russian nationalism, even though as a Communist he United Kingdom in World War Two?|Winston Churchill]] was ideologically opposed very willing to nationalismally with Stalin. Furthermore, he stopped persecuting the Orthodox Church. These measures made Even though He was an ardent anti-communist and personally disliked Stalin popular with the army and raised the morale of the troops. This stiffened their resistance He agreed to support the invasion of Soviets in their battle with the Russian 'Motherland.'<ref> Zhukov, Georgiĭ Konstantinovich & Harrison EGermans., Salisbury, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0356029239/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0356029239&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=422ccd38a753dde5fbe26d0486b12cb8 Marshal Zhukov's Greatest Battles]</i> (New York: Harper & Row, 1969), p. 116</ref>

==Alliance When criticized for aligning with the West== As the German invasion of Russia progressed. Stalin contacted Western diplomats requesting two agreements. He aimed at reaching a mutual assistance/aid pact and a recognition that after the war the Soviet Union would gain the territories in countries that it would take war actions against Hitler on the Eastern front. [[How did Winston , Churchill become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in World War Two?|Winston Churchill]] was very willing to have an alliance with Stalin. Even though He was an ardent anti-communist and stated he personally disliked Stalin. He agreed to support the Soviets in their battle with the Germans. Churchill pithy states when criticized for allying Britain with the Soviets 'I "would become the devils' " ally if Hitler invaded Hell'. " Stalin's diplomatic moves in the aftermath of Operation Barbarossa was shrewd. It allowed him to receive the support of first the British and later the Americans.<ref> Belamy, p. 34</ref> the The British began to supply the Soviets with arms and other supplies, via Iran and the AntarticAntarctic. Stalin's diplomatic response to the invasion of his country 's invasion was to become the ally of his ideological rivals, the western democracies.<ref>Stalin's Role in WWII - http://yesterday.uktv.co.uk/warzone/article/stalins-role-wwii/</ref> == Conclusion ==Stalin made a potentially fatal mistake in trusting Hitler, and when the German's invaded, he seemed to have been in a state of shock. This meant that his response to the invasion was slow, which allowed the Germans to make great inroads into his country until the Communists seemed on the verge of defeat. Stalin soon took charge and adopted new tactics. Crucially he reorganized the army, raised its morale, and entered into a new alliance with the west. These decisions proved crucial and delayed, and eventually stopped the German advance, and in the long run, Stalin was able to defeat the German army.

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