Question

Определите положительные и отрицательные последствия присоединения территорий Западной Украины, Западной Белоруссии, Северной Буковины, Бессарабии, Прибалтики для населения этих территорий; для обороноспособности СССР; для международной обстановки.

Answer 1

Ответ:

Некоторое населения проявляло недовольство, например националисты, как украинские, так и польские(это минусы), но большинство приняли советскую власть. На оккупированных территорииях отнимали частный бизнес и собственность у крестьян, что уже приводила во Второй мировой к переходу на сторону Германии или Румынии (в Бессарабии).

Плюсы: ресурсы, как людские, так и земляные, возможность при желании вести наступательные войны на другие страны в Западной Европы

Answer 2

Positive and Negative Consequences of the Annexation of Territories

The annexation of territories such as Western Ukraine, Western Belarus, Northern Bukovina, Bessarabia, and the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) by the Soviet Union had both positive and negative consequences for the population of these territories, the defense capabilities of the USSR, and the international situation. Let's examine each aspect in detail:

Consequences for the Population of Annexed Territories

Positive Consequences: 1. Social and Economic Development: The annexed territories experienced significant social and economic development under Soviet rule. The Soviet government invested in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and industrialization, which led to improvements in living standards and increased access to public services. 2. Equal Rights: The Soviet Union promoted the idea of equality among its citizens, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. As a result, the population of the annexed territories gained equal rights and opportunities, including access to education, employment, and political participation. 3. Cultural Development: The Soviet Union encouraged the preservation and promotion of local cultures and languages within its multi-ethnic framework. This led to the revitalization of cultural traditions and the development of national literatures, arts, and music.

Negative Consequences: 1. Political Repression: The Soviet Union implemented policies of political repression, including censorship, surveillance, and persecution of dissidents. This resulted in the suppression of political freedoms and the stifling of dissenting voices in the annexed territories. 2. Forced Collectivization: The Soviet government enforced collectivization policies in agriculture, which often led to resistance and hardship among the rural population. Peasants were forced to give up their private land and join collective farms, which disrupted traditional farming practices and caused economic difficulties. 3. Population Displacement: The annexation of territories sometimes resulted in population displacement. For example, during the annexation of Bessarabia, many ethnic Germans and Romanians were deported or forced to leave their homes.

Consequences for the Defense Capabilities of the USSR

Positive Consequences: 1. Expanded Borders: The annexation of these territories expanded the borders of the Soviet Union, providing a buffer zone between the USSR and potential adversaries. This increased the strategic depth of the Soviet defense perimeter. 2. Access to Resources: The annexed territories brought valuable resources, such as agricultural land, industrial infrastructure, and natural resources, which contributed to the economic and military strength of the Soviet Union.

Negative Consequences: 1. Ethnic Tensions: The annexation of territories with diverse ethnic populations sometimes led to ethnic tensions and conflicts. These tensions could potentially weaken the unity and cohesion of the Soviet Union, especially during times of crisis. 2. Increased Defense Burden: The annexation of additional territories increased the defense burden on the Soviet Union. The need to defend and administer these territories required significant military and economic resources.

Consequences for the International Situation

Positive Consequences: 1. Expansion of Soviet Influence: The annexation of these territories expanded Soviet influence in Eastern Europe and increased its geopolitical power. The Soviet Union gained control over important trade routes, access to the Baltic Sea, and a stronger foothold in Central Europe.

Negative Consequences: 1. Tensions with Western Powers: The annexation of these territories heightened tensions between the Soviet Union and Western powers, particularly during the Cold War. The expansion of Soviet influence was seen as a threat by the United States and its allies, leading to increased military build-up and ideological confrontation. 2. Violation of International Law: The annexation of these territories was seen by many countries as a violation of international law and the principle of national self-determination. This further strained the Soviet Union's relations with the international community.

In conclusion, the annexation of territories by the Soviet Union had both positive and negative consequences. While it brought social and economic development, equal rights, and cultural revitalization to the population of these territories, it also resulted in political repression, forced collectivization, and population displacement. The annexation expanded the defense capabilities of the USSR but also led to ethnic tensions and increased defense burdens. Internationally, it expanded Soviet influence but also heightened tensions with Western powers and violated international law.