IB History Higher Level (HL) Practice Exam

The Treaty of Berlin, signed in 1926, primarily established a framework of neutrality and non-aggression between Germany and the Soviet Union. One of its central tenets stated that if either nation were attacked, the other would remain neutral. This was significant as it highlighted a desire for diplomatic stability and a commitment to avoid entanglement in each other's conflicts, particularly in the context of the fragile international atmosphere of the time.

The treaty was an extension of the earlier Treaty of Rapallo in 1922, which had restored relations between the two countries after World War I and focused on economic collaboration and military cooperation. However, the emphasis of the Berlin Treaty was not on alliance in the case of mutual threats or guarantees of military assistance, but rather on ensuring that neither country would be dragged into a conflict involving the other. This aspect of neutrality set the stage for a pragmatic relationship between Germany and the Soviet Union throughout the interwar years, illustrating their mutual interests in countering Western powers without committing to direct military support.