Western Belarus in Soviet-Polish relations: from the Treaty of Riga to reunification with the BSSR

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33581/2520-6338-2019-4-17-26

Abstract

The article aims to show the role of Western Belarus in the Soviet-Polish relations in 1939–1941. It is revealed that for both the USSR and Poland the Belarusian question had no independent value, and was part of the policy of each of these states, aimed at achieving broader foreign policy goals. For the Soviet leadership, it was a struggle to revise the order of things that was established in Eastern Europe within the framework of the Versailles-Riga system of international relations. This policy assumed the inclusion of Western Belarus in the Soviet state. For Poland, the possession of Western Belarus was one of the most important conditions for achieving great power status, without which it was difficult to resist the Russian-German «geopolitical grip». The outcome of the struggle between the USSR and Poland for the territory of Western Belarus was inextricably connected with the collapse of the Versailles system, which made it possible to reunite Western Belarus with the BSSR.

Author Biography

Mikalai M. Miazga, Francisk Skorina Gomel State University, 104 Savieckaja Street, Homieĺ 246019, Belarus

doctor of science (history), docent; head of the department of general history, faculty of history

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Published
2019-10-28
Keywords: Western Belarus, Treaty of Riga, Versailles-Riga system, USSR, Poland, international relations, Belarusian national movement, reunification, Second World War
Supporting Agencies The article is prepared within the framework of the state research programs task for 2016–2020.
How to Cite
Miazga M. M. Western Belarus in Soviet-Polish relations: from the Treaty of Riga to reunification with the BSSR // Journal of the Belarusian State University. History. 2019. 4. PP. 17-26.
Issue
No 4 (2019): Journal of the Belarusian State University. History
Section
Special Topic Section

Copyright (c) 2019 Journal of the Belarusian State University. History

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