The Soviet annexation of the Baltic states in 1940 and the Western reaction

This bachelor thesis deals with the international reaction to the occupation and following incorporation of the Baltic States into the Soviet Union in 1940. The main aim of this thesis is to answer question "What was the attitude of two western powers, the USA and the United Kingdom, regarding the annexation?". This thesis focuses on foreign policies of the USA and the UK towards the Soviet Union during the Second World War, both western countries decided to refuse the legitimacy of the annexation. This thesis also explains under which circumstances the governments and leaders of both states had to make decisions. In the analysis of the US foreign policy this thesis also deals with the Stimson Doctrine from the year 1932, which was important for the formulation of the US policy of non-recognition of forcible seizure of territory. The Doctrine was used in the case of the Baltic States, as well. Thesis further focuses on the formation of the Grand Alliance, also known as Big Three, and conferences of three allied leaders. The Baltic question had been an issue during the negotiations but at the Tehran Conference western leaders agreed to accept Soviet annexation de facto. However, de iure recognition has never been granted. This thesis also explains the events in the Baltics from August 1939 until the..