As an expert in historical studies, I can provide a comprehensive analysis of the Soviet Union's motivations for wanting Poland during the period leading up to and including World War II. The reasons are multifaceted and deeply rooted in a complex interplay of historical, strategic, ideological, and economic factors. Historical Context: The Red Army's invasion of Poland on 17 September 1939 was indeed a consequence of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, a non-aggression treaty signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on 23 August 1939. This pact, which included secret protocols dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, set the stage for the Soviet Union's actions. The historical context is crucial; Poland had been a battleground for power between the East and West throughout the centuries, with its territory partitioned multiple times among rival empires. Strategic Interests: From a strategic perspective, Poland was a critical buffer state for the Soviet Union. Control over Poland would provide a buffer against potential invasions from the West, particularly from Germany, a nation with which the Soviets had a history of tense relations. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was, in part, an attempt to mitigate this threat by appeasing Hitler's Germany with territorial concessions. Ideological Reasons: Ideologically, the Soviet Union was driven by communism, and it viewed the capitalist states, including Poland, as potential adversaries. By taking control of Poland, the Soviets aimed to spread their influence and promote communist ideology, thereby creating a friendly government that would align with their political and economic systems. Economic Factors: Economically, Poland was an agriculturally rich country with significant resources that the Soviet Union coveted. The acquisition of Polish territories would bolster the Soviet economy by providing access to these resources, which were vital for the Soviet industrialization efforts. Security Concerns: The Soviet Union also had security concerns stemming from its experiences in World War I and the subsequent Russian Civil War, during which Poland had been part of the hostile forces that invaded Soviet territory. The Polish-Soviet War of 1919-1921 left a lasting impression on Soviet leadership, and the desire to prevent a repeat of such incursions was a significant factor in their decision to invade Poland. Nationalism and Territorial Ambitions: Lastly, the Soviet Union's actions were influenced by a sense of nationalism and a desire to reclaim or expand territories that were historically Russian or had been under Russian influence. The Soviet leadership saw the opportunity to correct what they perceived as an unjust distribution of territories after World War I. In conclusion, the Soviet Union's desire for Poland was a result of a confluence of historical grievances, strategic military considerations, ideological expansionism, economic interests, and security concerns. The invasion of Poland was a calculated move to advance these interests and to reshape the geopolitical landscape of Europe to the Soviet Union's advantage. read more >>

On 17 September 1939, early in the morning, the Soviet Union invaded Poland. Poland was already in the state of war with Nazi Germany that had started on 1 September 1939. The Soviet invasion of Poland was a direct result of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union on 23 August.read more >>