How did the German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact help make the invasion of Poland possible?

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World War II: Germany invading Poland — World War II Germany invading Poland, September 1, 1939.

The German-Soviet Nonaggression Pact, signed on August 23, 1939, was instrumental in enabling the invasion of Poland by removing the threat of a two-front war for Adolf Hitler.1

By securing this agreement, Hitler ensured that his armies could invade Poland virtually unopposed by a major power, as the Soviet Union pledged not to attack Germany or support any third power that might do so. This allowed Germany to focus its military efforts on Poland and subsequently confront France and Britain in the west without the risk of simultaneous conflict with the Soviets in the east.1

Furthermore, the pact included a secret protocol that divided eastern Europe into spheres of influence, effectively greenlighting the partition of Poland. This arrangement provided the diplomatic and strategic cover for the Soviet Union to invade Poland from the east on September 17, 1939, shortly after Germany’s initial assault from the west, leading to the country's total occupation and division.1