Introduction

The decision by the United States and the United Kingdom to assist the Soviet Union during World War II, despite the perceived similarities between Stalin's regime and the Nazi party, has been a subject of much debate. Critics often pose questions such as, 'Why did they assist the Soviet Union?' This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex historical period by examining the strategic, political, and moral factors that influenced these decisions.

The Enemy of my Enemy

The primary reason for the assistance provided by the United States and the United Kingdom to the Soviet Union stemmed from the basic dictum, "the enemy of my enemy is my friend." The Nazi regime under Adolf Hitler had invaded and subsequently occupied much of Europe, including Poland, France, and parts of the Soviet Union. By 1941, the United States and the United Kingdom were already at war with Nazi Germany following the invasion of Poland in 1939 and the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941, respectively.

The Soviet Union, despite its brutal regime under Joseph Stalin, was seen as an invaluable ally against the perceived greater evil of Nazi Germany. Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister, had long recognized the importance of this alliance. As early as 1941, he stated, 'it was not the first partnership but the last in a series of partnerships with the Soviet Union to stop the common enemy of all mankind.'

The Strategic Everyman's Motive

Another strategic rationale for the U.S. and U.K. to assist the Soviet Union was the belief that through the policies of "Stalin's war machine," the Nazis could be weakened, paving the way for the eventual victory over Germany. This approach resonated with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who deemed that helping Russia and Germany fight each other to mutual destruction was a practical strategy. Roosevelt’s attitude towards Stalin can be somewhat debated, as evidenced by the quote from Senator Harry Truman, who stated, "If we see that Germany is winning we ought to help Russia and if Russia is winning we ought to help Germany and that way let them kill as many [of each other] as possible."

The Role of Public Opinion and International Pressure

While the strategic and political motivations were significant, it is important to acknowledge the influence of public opinion and international pressure. American isolationism, an ideology that advocated against involvement in international conflicts, had waned by the time the United States entered World War II. The public's growing awareness of the atrocities committed by the Nazi regime and the potential for a lasting peace after German defeat influenced the U.S. government's decision to support the Soviet Union in fighting against Germany.

The Changing Dynamics of Alliances

As the war progressed, the dynamics of the alliance shifted. By the time D-Day was launched in 1944, Nazi Germany was increasingly on the defensive, and the Soviet Union had made significant territorial gains. The United States and the United Kingdom, by then fully engaged in the war, continued the policy of assisting the Soviet Union, not only out of strategic necessity but also as a moral commitment to bringing about a common victory over the common enemy.

Conclusion

The decision of the United States and the United Kingdom to assist the Soviet Union during World War II, despite the adversarial nature of their regimes, was a result of a complex interplay of strategic, political, and moral factors. The recognition that their mutual enemy, Nazi Germany, posed an existential threat to the entire world was the primary driver of this alliance. The complexities of this period highlight the challenges of international cooperation and the often conflicting motivations in the realm of geopolitics.

Keywords: World War II, Soviet Union, Allies, Nazi Germany, United States, UK, Winston Churchill