Invasion of Poland

Definition

The Invasion of Poland, which began on September 1, 1939, marked the start of World War II in Europe as Nazi Germany launched a surprise attack on Poland. This military operation was characterized by rapid and brutal tactics, including the use of blitzkrieg strategies, which combined air assaults with ground troop movements. The invasion not only resulted in the swift conquest of Poland but also set the stage for the subsequent involvement of the Soviet Union in Eastern Poland following a secret protocol established in a crucial agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The invasion began at 4:45 AM on September 1, 1939, when German forces attacked the Polish city of Westerplatte.
2. Poland was overwhelmed by the superior German military technology and tactics, suffering significant losses and surrendering within weeks.
3. The invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939, marking the official start of World War II.
4. On September 17, 1939, the Soviet Union invaded Poland from the east in accordance with their agreement with Germany, effectively partitioning the country.
5. The fall of Poland led to widespread atrocities committed against Polish civilians and military personnel by both invading forces.

Review Questions

• How did the tactics used in the Invasion of Poland exemplify the concept of blitzkrieg?
  • The Invasion of Poland is a clear example of blitzkrieg tactics because it involved fast-moving and coordinated attacks that overwhelmed Polish defenses. The Germans utilized airpower to disrupt communications and supply lines while their ground troops rapidly advanced into Polish territory. This combination of air strikes and swift ground movements created chaos among Polish forces, leading to a quick victory for Germany.
• Discuss the implications of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact on the Invasion of Poland and its aftermath.
  • The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact significantly influenced the Invasion of Poland as it allowed Germany to invade without fear of Soviet intervention. The secret protocols in this agreement divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, setting the stage for the Soviet invasion from the east on September 17, 1939. This collaboration between two totalitarian regimes not only facilitated the rapid conquest of Poland but also reshaped Eastern Europe’s political landscape for years to come.
• Evaluate the significance of the Invasion of Poland in relation to the broader context of World War II and its effects on European geopolitics.
  • The Invasion of Poland was pivotal in shaping the course of World War II as it marked the beginning of large-scale military conflict in Europe. It demonstrated the effectiveness of blitzkrieg tactics and highlighted weaknesses in Allied military preparedness. Additionally, Poland's fall led to significant geopolitical changes as it resulted in Soviet control over Eastern Poland and set a precedent for further German aggression across Europe. The consequences reverberated throughout Europe, contributing to shifts in alliances and eventually leading to widespread devastation.

Related terms

Blitzkrieg: A military tactic that emphasizes rapid and overwhelming force to quickly incapacitate an opponent, involving coordinated attacks by air and ground forces.

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact: A treaty signed between Germany and the Soviet Union on August 23, 1939, that stipulated non-aggression between the two countries and included secret protocols for dividing Eastern Europe.

September Campaign: The campaign in which Polish forces attempted to defend against the German invasion from September 1 to October 6, 1939, ultimately leading to Poland's defeat.