Q&A · 3:08:36-3:09:05

Stalin turns east after Germany's defeat

The counterfactual redirects Soviet expansion toward East Asia while recognising the limits of further moves in Europe.

Question

Would Stalin try to take the rest of Europe if the Western Allies still had to invade Japan?

Short answer

Probably not; he would have reasons to join operations against Japan and might pursue greater gains in China instead.

Notes

Stalin is unlikely to exploit an invasion of Japan by attacking the rest of Europe. Soviet participation in the campaign against Japan would offer its own opportunities. He might instead try to secure much more of China. Europe had comparatively little left to offer beyond territory and population, while further expansion would provoke the United States. The scenario therefore shifts Soviet attention east rather than assuming unlimited westward advance.