Germany cannot be contained by maritime blockade alone, so its entry turns the scenario into a land war. The Red Army would have the experience of Khalkhin Gol and a longer Far Eastern conflict fought with Allied support and technology. Without the historical German-Soviet division of eastern Europe, the Soviet leadership might have less reason to invade Poland or begin the Winter War, though this is one of the scenario's largest political assumptions. Germany has also spent troops and time moving toward Romania and may inherit further commitments in Yugoslavia. Naval events in the Far East therefore alter alliances, army experience, and the geography of a later European campaign.
Notable Point · 36:38-39:44
A stronger Soviet Union complicates German war plans
A war against Germany cannot remain a maritime blockade: a Soviet Union already fighting alongside the Allies would alter the calculations over Poland and eastern Europe.