What Role Did The Polish-Lithuanian Borderlands' Complex Ethnic Composition Play In Shaping The Refugee Crisis In Eastern Europe During The Interwar Period, Specifically In Regards To The Jewish And Belarusian Populations, And How Did The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact's Implementation Of The Curzon Line Influence The Subsequent Migration Patterns Of These Groups?

The Polish-Lithuanian Borderlands, known as the Kresy, were a region of significant ethnic diversity during the interwar period, encompassing Poles, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Jews, and others. This diversity, coupled with the aftermath of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles, created a volatile environment that contributed to a refugee crisis. The complex ethnic composition led to tensions and conflicts, exacerbated by economic hardship and political instability, which displaced populations seeking refuge.

The Jewish population, facing rampant anti-Semitism in both Poland and the Soviet Union, endured severe discrimination, economic restrictions, and pogroms, forcing many to flee. The Holocaust later exacerbated this crisis, but even before, conditions were dire enough to cause significant displacement.

Belarusians, split between Polish and Soviet territories, faced discrimination and forced assimilation in Poland, while enduring Stalin's oppressive policies in the Soviet Union, leading to refugee movements.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of 1939, with its secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe, used the Curzon Line to partition Poland. This led to massive displacement as people found themselves in the wrong zone. Jews fled Nazi-occupied areas to the Soviet zone, only to face deportation, while Belarusians were split between Soviet and German zones, each with its own oppressive regime.

Post-war, the Curzon Line shifted westward, leading to further migrations. Surviving Jews faced continued anti-Semitism in Poland, prompting many to migrate to Israel or other countries. Belarusians, integrated into the Soviet Republic, faced ongoing displacement due to war devastation.

In conclusion, the interwar ethnic tensions and the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact's implementation of the Curzon Line led to forced migrations, particularly affecting Jews and Belarusians, who were caught between oppressive regimes and war, resulting in long-term population shifts and a profound refugee crisis.