The Impact of a Nazi Germany Conquest on the Soviet Union: Occupation and Aftermath

The historical scenario of Nazi Germany conquering the Soviet Union presents a profoundly crucial question: what would have been the aftermath and the fate of the Soviet Union if such a conquest had indeed taken place? This exploration is essential for understanding the potential course of events and the possible consequences for both invading and invaded parties. By examining historical trends and Nazi ideology, this article delves into the envisioned impact on Ukraine and the broader implications on global geopolitics.

Ukraine as the Reichs Bread-Basket

One of the primary strategic goals of a Nazi Germany, as envisioned, would have been to secure Ukraine as a reliable food source. The devastating effects of World War I, particularly the “turnip winter” experienced in Germany, had a profound impact on Hitler's military strategy. The need for an internal food source, independent of external blockades, was a persistent goal. Ukraine, with its vast agricultural resources, would have fit this description perfectly.

With the successful conquest of the Soviet Union, Ukraine would not only provide food security but also serve as a buffer zone, safeguarding against future encroachments from the west. This geographically strategic positioning would have fundamentally altered the landscape of European geopolitics, potentially eliminating the need for NATO. The panzer, jet, and rocket technologies available to Nazi Germany would have made it capable of sustaining an independent defense posture against communist aggression, regardless of developments in the west.

The Loss of European Russia and the Destruction of the Soviet State

Nazi Germany's larger-than-life objectives in World War II were intrinsically linked to its conquest of the Soviet Union. The German war effort was, in the eyes of the Nazis, an extension of the struggle against Communism. A victory in the east would have epitomized victory over the proletariat, and the western powers would find themselves in an even more favorable geopolitical position. The concept of winning or losing the war was irrevocably tied to the triumph over the Soviet Union.

If the conquest had indeed occurred, Nazi Germany might have pursued a policy akin to the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, which stripped the Soviet Union of significant territories. The intent would likely have also included the dismantling of the Soviet state, reflecting the ideology of subjugation and racial purity espoused by the Nazi regime. European Russia, with its rich resources and historical significance, would have been entirely subjugated, leading to a loss of the Soviet Union's territorial and strategic integrity.

The Fates of a Reduced Soviet Union and Japan

The reduced Soviet Union, comprising only the regions east of the Ural Mountains, would have faced significant challenges. Its geographical and economic isolation, coupled with the loss of vital ports, would have rendered it irrelevant on the global stage. Landlocked and without access to warm-water ports, this rump Soviet state would have struggled to maintain its industrial and economic capabilities.

In a geopolitical realignment, Japan's gains in Siberia and the Far East might have further exacerbated the Soviet Union's vulnerabilities. Japan's interests in the region would have only grown stronger, leading to a situation where the Soviet state, weakened and divided, would have been easily overtaken.

The Brutal Nazi Occupation of the Soviet Union

Considering historical precedents and Nazi ideology, it is highly plausible that any Nazi-Germany led conquest of the Soviet Union would have resulted in a harsh, brutal occupation of the Soviet population. Historical evidence from other occupied territories reveals patterns of widespread violence, oppression, and exploitation. The Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe were historically considered inferior by the Nazi regime, reinforcing the likelihood of extreme measures.

The ideology of the Nazi regime was built around the concept of racial supremacy and the colonisation of conquered territories. The Soviet population, consequently, would likely have been subjected to forced relocation or even extermination, leaving room for German settlers. This would have been a systematic effort to consolidate control and maintain dominance over the conquered territories.

Therefore, in the scenario of Nazi Germany conquering the Soviet Union, the Soviet population would have faced a devastating and oppressive occupation, characterised by extreme violence and exploitation. The consequences of such a conquest would have been far-reaching and catastrophic for the Soviet Union, reshaping the geopolitical landscape for decades to come.