Hitler had given an assurance to Chamberlain that if the problem of Czecholovakia was resolved, the state of Czecholovakia shall be left absolutely free and Germany shall have nothing to do with it. However, Hitler did not live up to this assurance and encouraged Slovakia and Ruthenia to declare their independence from the Czech Government.
He actively intervened in the matter and invited Dr. Hacha to Berlin and forced him to sign the document by which Czecholovakia was placed under the protectorate of Germany. On 15 March 1939 the Nazi troops occupied Czecholovakia.
As a result of all this it became clear that a war between the two camps was inevitable. In fact both the camps had been making fervent preparations for the impending war. Hitler felt that it would be in Germany’s interest to come to some sort of understanding with USSR.
The Soviet Union, which was completely disgusted with the western powers after the Munich Pact, also responded favourably. Ultimately on 23 August 1939 Soviet Union and Germany concluded a non-aggression pact. This pact was a masterpiece of German diplomacy.
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As a result of this agreement Germany succeeded in warding against any possible attack by Soviet Union in the event of Germany carrying out her designs against Poland. Soon after, Hitler annexed Memel and demanded a Polish Corridor. On 1 September 1939 Germany actually launched an attack against Poland which marked the beginning of the Second World War.