# Vyacheslav Molotov

> Soviet politician, statesman and diplomat (1890–1986)

**Wikidata**: [Q132899](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132899)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vyacheslav_Molotov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vyacheslav-molotov

## Summary
Vyacheslav Molotov was a Soviet politician, statesman, and diplomat who lived from 1890 to 1986. A leading figure in the Soviet government, he is best known for signing the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact and for his role in developing the "Molotov Plan" for the reconstruction of Eastern Europe.

## Biography
- **Born:** February 25, 1890 (Old Style) / March 9, 1890 (New Style)
- **Died:** November 8, 1986
- **Nationality:** Soviet Union; Russian Empire (former)
- **Education:** Perm State National Research University
- **Known for:** Serving as a diplomat and statesman; negotiating the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact
- **Employer(s):** Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
- **Field(s):** Politics, Diplomacy
- **Aliases:** Vyacheslav Mikhaylovich Molotov, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich Molotov, Vyacheslav Mixaylovich Molotov, Vyacheslav Mikhaylovich Skryabin

## Contributions
Vyacheslav Molotov was instrumental in several major geopolitical and military developments:
*   **Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact:** Negotiated and signed the 1939 neutrality pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, which included a Secret Additional Protocol.
*   **Molotov Plan:** Formulated the Soviet Union's plan to aid in rebuilding countries in Eastern Europe, serving as a counterpart to the Marshall Plan.
*   **Molotov Line:** Oversaw the inception of a system of border fortifications built by the Soviet Union in 1940.
*   **Military Equipment:** Associated with the "Molotov bread basket," a Soviet incendiary cluster bomb used during the Winter War, and the "Molotov cocktail," an incendiary weapon.
*   **Soviet Railways ВМ:** Associated with a Soviet experimental diesel locomotive class named in his honor.
*   **Molotov Cruiser:** A 1939 Kirov-class cruiser named "Molotov."

## FAQs
**What was the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact?**
It was a neutrality pact signed in 1939 between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, which included a secret protocol dividing spheres of influence in Eastern Europe.

**What was the Molotov Plan?**
The Molotov Plan was the Soviet initiative to provide aid for rebuilding Eastern European countries, creating an economic alliance distinct from the Western bloc.

**What military items are named after Molotov?**
Items named after him include the "Molotov bread basket" (a cluster bomb), the "Molotov cocktail" (an incendiary weapon), the "Molotov Line" (border fortifications), and the "Molotov" cruiser.

**What awards did Vyacheslav Molotov receive?**
He received numerous Soviet honors, including the Hero of Socialist Labour, the Order of Lenin (three times), the Order of the Badge of Honour, and various medals for victory, defense, and labor during the Great Patriotic War.

**Where was Vyacheslav Molotov educated?**
He studied at the Perm State National Research University.

## Why They Matter
Vyacheslav Molotov shaped the geopolitical landscape of the 20th century through his diplomatic and political actions. His negotiation of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact directly influenced the outbreak of World War II and the redrawing of Eastern European borders. The Molotov Plan he developed laid the economic foundation for the Eastern Bloc, solidifying the post-war division of Europe. His legacy persists in military history through the eponymous "Molotov cocktail" and the "Molotov bread basket," terms still widely recognized in the context of the Winter War and modern conflicts.

## Notable For
- Serving as a key diplomat and statesman for the Soviet Union.
- Signing the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact (1939) and its Secret Additional Protocol.
- Creating the Molotov Plan for Eastern European reconstruction.
- Being a three-time recipient of the Order of Lenin.
- Receiving the title Hero of Socialist Labour.
- Having the "Molotov Line" fortifications named after him.
- Being the namesake of the "Molotov cocktail" and "Molotov bread basket" weapons.
- Serving as a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Vyacheslav Mikhaylovich Molotov (born Skryabin) was born on March 9, 1890 (February 25, Old Style). He was a citizen of the Russian Empire and later the Soviet Union. He received his higher education at the Perm State National Research University.

### Political and Diplomatic Career
Molotov was a prominent member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. His career was defined by his involvement in high-level politics and international diplomacy. He was a key figure in the Soviet government's operations, particularly concerning the Eastern Front during World War II.

### The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact
One of Molotov's most significant diplomatic actions was the negotiation and signing of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact in 1939. This was a neutrality pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. The agreement included a Secret Additional Protocol that divided territories between the two powers. The negotiations for this pact are documented as a specific historical outline.

### Post-War Reconstruction and Defense
Following the war, Molotov was instrumental in establishing the Molotov Plan, which provided Soviet aid to rebuild Eastern European countries. In terms of defense infrastructure, the "Molotov Line," a system of border fortifications, was built by the Soviet Union starting in 1940.

### Eponymous Entities and Terms
Molotov's name is historically attached to several military terms and entities:
*   **Molotov bread basket:** A Soviet incendiary cluster bomb used during the Winter War.
*   **Molotov cocktail:** An incendiary weapon consisting of a bottle filled with flammable liquid.
*   **Molotov (Cruiser):** A 1939 Kirov-class cruiser.
*   **Soviet Railways ВМ:** An experimental diesel locomotive class.
*   **Geographical Locations:** Several locations were named after him, including Molotov (now Perm), and districts such as Sovetsky District in Ufa and Sovetsky City District in Samara.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his life, Molotov received extensive recognition from the Soviet state. His awards included:
*   **Hero of Socialist Labour:** A title of honor established in 1938.
*   **Order of Lenin:** The highest decoration awarded by the Soviet Union, which he received three times (1930–1991).
*   **Order of the Badge of Honour:** Established in 1935.
*   **Medal "For the Victory over Germany in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"**
*   **Medal "For the Defence of Moscow"**
*   **Medal "For Valiant Labour in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"**
*   **"Hammer and Sickle" gold medal**
*   **Medal "In Commemoration of the 800th Anniversary of Moscow"**
*   **Medal "Veteran of Labour"**
*   **Jubilee Medal "Forty Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945"**
*   **Jubilee Medal "In Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin"**

### Death
Vyacheslav Molotov died on November 8, 1986.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. The Fine Art Archive
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. Q137170397
7. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
8. SNAC
9. Find a Grave
10. filmportal.de
11. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
12. TracesOfWar
13. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/world/from-the-archive-blog/2019/jul/24/molotov-ribbentrop-pact-germany-russia-1939)
16. [Source](https://nationalpost.com/news/world/russia-reveals-secret-protocol-carving-up-eastern-europe-in-1939-molotov-ribbentrop-pact)
17. nobelprize.org
18. CONOR.SI
19. Quora
20. [Source](http://purl.org/pressemappe20/beaconlist/pe)
21. The Movie Database
22. LIBRIS. 2012
23. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands