Franco-Soviet Pact

The Franco-Soviet Pact, signed in 1935, was a mutual defense agreement between France and the Soviet Union. It aimed to counter the threat of Nazi Germany and fascist Italy by promising mutual military support if either was attacked. This treaty signaled a shift towards cooperation between the two countries, who had previously been hesitant to align, and was part of broader efforts to contain the expansion of aggressive regimes in Europe. Though it didn't prevent conflicts from escalating later, it represented a strategic effort by France and the USSR to strengthen their security through an alliance.