Introduction

The history of World War II has often been the subject of numerous what-if scenarios. One such scenario poses a question about what might have happened if countries like Britain, the Commonwealth nations, and the USA had told France and Poland, 'You’re on your own. We’ll give you some ammo and tanks, and moral encouragement. But you have to fight Hitler yourselves.' This article explores the possible outcomes of such an alternative history and the impact it might have had on global affairs.

The Build-Up to World War II

The 1930s saw a series of aggressive moves by Nazi Germany under Hitler, including the remilitarization of the Rhineland and the occupation of the Sudetenland in 1938. Germany was also rearming and restoring its military might, partly driven by a desire to regain territories lost after World War I. The Soviet Union, on the other hand, was targeting several Eastern European nations, engaging in a series of conflicts that significantly destabilized the region.

Scenario Analysis: Possible Outcomes

Had Britain, the Commonwealth, and the USA taken a decision to abandon France and Poland, it is likely that the following outcomes might have unfolded:

No World War in the West

Over time, such an isolationist stance would have encouraged other nations, including France and Poland, to negotiate or make concessions to Germany. With France and Britain declaring neutrality and not joining the conflict, Germany might have been emboldened, eventually leading to a series of diplomatic and military moves that could have either prevented a Western front or led to a different outcome altogether.

These negotiations could have led to a series of treaties or power-sharing agreements that would have temporarily stabilized the situation in Europe. However, these fragile arrangements would have been unstable, potentially leading to further disputes and escalation.

Consequences for Soviet Expansion

By abandoning France and Poland, Britain and the USA might have eased the Soviet Union’s expansionist drives. Without the support of Western powers, France and Poland would have been more vulnerable to Russian advances. This could have led to a situation where the Soviet Union would have had to fight a prolonged and much more significant conflict against Nazi Germany alone, potentially leading to a different Eastern Front dynamic.

The Soviet Union would have had to deal with the German threat from the West, while also managing the pressures from the East. Such a scenario would have significantly increased the burden on the Soviet military and could have shifted the balance of power in the region to favor the Soviets, albeit at a great cost.

Long-Term Consequences

In the longer term, such an isolationist stance by Britain, the Commonwealth, and the USA would have likely invited retaliation. The potential shift in power dynamics could have led to a worldwide armament race and heightened tensions between nations. The balance of power in Europe and around the world would have been profoundly altered, with the Soviet Union potentially emerging as the dominant force.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the what-if scenario presented offers a glimpse into a different path that Europe and the world might have taken. Abandoning France and Poland in 1939 would have had profound implications, likely leading to a different outcome of World War II and a dramatically changed geopolitical landscape. The world may now speak a different language, and the history of the period may have played out very differently.

Related Keywords

WW2 What-If Scenarios European History