FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-068

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (April 24, 2026) – This edition of Fun with Maps looks back at a historic moment in Russian and German relations in the 1920’s: it didn’t last long.

Non-Aggression

Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression treaty in Berlin on April 24, 1926, 100 years ago.  Basically, both sides pledged to remain neutral if the other country is attacked within 5 years.

While later the treaty was extended, the Germans did invade the Soviet Union in June 1941.   The leadership of Germany changed from the 1920s, as we all know. 

The Nazis aimed to destroy communisms, and what better way than taking over the Soviet Union.  

They failed for a number of reasons, including starting too late in the year and the cold winter caused havoc for the Germans, and they underestimated the Soviets who had little regard for life and were willing to sacrifice in order to hang on to the last square inch of land (battles of Stalingrad and Leningrad illustrate this).

This is a 1950s propaganda map of the Soviet Union with its Republics.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.