What action did Stalin take following the Munich Conference?

Following the Munich Conference in 1938, which saw the appeasement of Hitler by Britain and France, Stalin opted for a strategic move that would influence the onset of World War II. The correct answer, the signing of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact in August 1939, was a significant turning point in international politics.

This pact between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany allowed both nations to avoid military conflict with each other and effectively divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. The agreement was crucial as it enabled Hitler to invade Poland without fearing a Soviet intervention, which contributed to the outbreak of World War II. For Stalin, this pact was a pragmatic decision. It provided the USSR with a buffer against potential aggression from Germany and allowed time to build up Soviet military strength.

The other options do not reflect the actions taken by Stalin in the immediate aftermath of the Munich Conference. For instance, a defensive treaty with Poland would have been contrary to his strategy, as he was looking to avoid commitments that could lead to conflict with Germany. Similarly, entering a military alliance with Italy would be unlikely, given the ideological differences between fascist Italy and communist Soviet Union. Declaring war on Germany was not a feasible option at that time, as Stalin