Would the Allies Have Lost the War if the USSR Joined the Axis Powers During WW2?

Some historical discussions posit that a hypothetical scenario where the Soviet Union joined the Axis powers would have significantly altered the course of history. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that such a move would not have led to the Allies' defeat but rather prolonged the conflict and potentially destabilized the global balance.

Russia and Germany: Unlikely Allies

It is crucial to acknowledge the inherent antagonism between Russia (the Soviet Union) and Germany, which was a constant throughout the 1930s and early 1940s. Quora posters often overlook this fundamental fact, suggesting that Stalin's decision to form an alliance with Nazi Germany was an unexpected move. In reality, Stalin's desire was to keep Nazi Germany and the Allies, such as Britain and France, at loggerheads, a strategy known as playing the Barbarian against the Christian (a diplomatic term referring to using one enemy against another).

Total Destruction and Chaos

Imagine a scenario where the Soviet Union joined Nazi Germany. The combined forces would have no substantial opponent, leading to a sudden shift in the balance of power. With the Soviets and Nazis united, Germany could potentially launch a full-scale assault on the Western Allies, specifically targeting the United Kingdom (UK). This move would likely result in the UK being conquered and the Allies being pushed back to the United States. However, such a scenario is highly unlikely to have led to the Allies' defeat.

Geopolitical Barriers to Success

British Navy Dominance: The British navy was and remains a formidable force. It would have been difficult for Germany or the Soviet Union to overcome such maritime superiority. Clash of Totalitarian Systems: Both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany were totalitarian regimes and viewed themselves as superior to other systems. Over time, these conflicting ideologies would likely lead to internal strife and instability. Long-term Global Trends: History demonstrates that democracies tend to prevail over authoritarian systems in the long run. Even if the Soviet Union and Germany managed to conquer significant territories, their oppressive nature would eventually lead to conflict and dissatisfaction among the occupied populations.

Prolonged Warfare and Strategic Feasibility

The idea that the war could have lasted longer due to a Soviet-German alliance is plausible. However, it is unlikely to have resulted in a decisive victory for the Axis powers. A single-front war would have made the Allied powers more resilient, and the remaining Allies, including the United States, could have reorganized and reinforced their efforts.

Moreover, the Soviet Union would have continued to supply raw materials and manpower to Germany, sustaining its military operations. This support would have prolonged the war but not necessarily led to the Allies' defeat. Instead, it would have created a stalemate, making a negotiated settlement more likely.

Historical Evidence and Realistic Outcomes

Lots of historical evidence supports this conclusion. Hitler himself often emphasized the Soviet Union as his arch-enemy and aimed to make the USSR part of his Lebensraum (living space). He had no intention of forming an alliance with the Soviets. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, while an agreement of non-aggression, was not an alliance. Hitler's ultimate goal was to conquer the Soviet Union, not to form a partnership.

The Eastern Front (1941-1945) played a crucial role in stopping Nazi Germany from advancing further. Without the efforts of the Soviet Union on this front, British and American strategic successes in Europe would have been nearly impossible. Notable Allied victories in Operation Bagration and the Battle of Stalingrad underscore the vital role of the Soviet Union in turning the tide of the war.

If anything, the best outcome for the Allies would have been to secure a victory in the Pacific and simultaneously attack both the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany from the east. However, this would have been incredibly challenging and likely not guaranteed to succeed.

In conclusion, the hypothetical scenario of the Soviet Union joining the Axis powers during WWII would not have led to the Allies' defeat but would have significantly prolonged the conflict and changed its nature. The unpredictable and complex geopolitical landscape of the time would have ensured that neither side could achieve a decisive and final victory.