Suppose Stalin invades Romania in 1938 as some kind of paranoia induced gamble to create a more effective buffer/leverage against Hitler's Germany.
What would the consequences of this be?
It would cut Germany off from its main oil source ( other than international imports and synthetic oil). The Germans are also probably too weak to intervene overtly in the defense of Romania prior to absorbing Czechoslovakia and its armaments industry. However, it seems likely that German arms and 'volunteers' would find their way to the Romanian army in some form. Would that be enough to hold off the Soviets if they are truly bent on conquest at any price? How would Poland and the Czech's react? Would they remain aloof from the situation or would they reconcile with Hitler's Germany to stand against Soviet aggression? Would Britain and France do anything more than formally protest against Soviet actions or would they try and intervene militarily?
What would the consequences of this be?
It would cut Germany off from its main oil source ( other than international imports and synthetic oil). The Germans are also probably too weak to intervene overtly in the defense of Romania prior to absorbing Czechoslovakia and its armaments industry. However, it seems likely that German arms and 'volunteers' would find their way to the Romanian army in some form. Would that be enough to hold off the Soviets if they are truly bent on conquest at any price? How would Poland and the Czech's react? Would they remain aloof from the situation or would they reconcile with Hitler's Germany to stand against Soviet aggression? Would Britain and France do anything more than formally protest against Soviet actions or would they try and intervene militarily?