September 1, 1939

Definition

September 1, 1939, marks the date when Germany invaded Poland, initiating World War II. This act of aggression by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi regime was significant as it shattered the fragile peace in Europe and triggered a series of declarations of war by major powers, leading to a global conflict. The invasion was facilitated by the swift and brutal tactics of Blitzkrieg, showcasing Germany's military might and strategy, and highlighting the failure of diplomatic efforts to contain Nazi expansionism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The invasion of Poland involved over 1.5 million German troops and utilized tanks and aircraft for a rapid advance into Polish territory.
2. Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, just two days after the invasion, marking the official start of World War II.
3. The attack on Poland was characterized by coordinated strikes that disrupted communications and defenses, leading to quick Polish capitulation.
4. The Soviet Union invaded Poland from the east on September 17, 1939, as part of a secret agreement with Nazi Germany outlined in the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact.
5. September 1, 1939, is often viewed as a pivotal moment that not only signaled the beginning of World War II but also marked a shift in global power dynamics.

Review Questions

• How did the invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, alter the political landscape in Europe?
  • The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, significantly changed the political landscape in Europe by breaking the fragile peace established after World War I. It prompted Britain and France to abandon their policy of appeasement towards Hitler and declare war on Germany. This aggressive action illustrated the inability of diplomatic measures to contain Nazi expansionism and marked the beginning of a widespread conflict that involved many nations.
• Evaluate the role of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact in facilitating Germany's invasion of Poland.
  • The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact played a crucial role in enabling Germany's invasion of Poland by ensuring that the Soviet Union would remain neutral during this military campaign. Signed on August 23, 1939, this agreement allowed Hitler to invade Poland without fearing Soviet intervention from the east. The pact included secret protocols that divided Eastern Europe between Germany and the Soviet Union, ultimately leading to coordinated invasions from both sides and ensuring a quick Polish defeat.
• Analyze how September 1, 1939, serves as a turning point in world history, considering its implications for future conflicts.
  • September 1, 1939, stands as a critical turning point in world history as it not only marked the beginning of World War II but also set in motion a series of events that reshaped international relations and power structures for decades. The invasion demonstrated the effectiveness of Blitzkrieg tactics and showcased how aggressive nationalism could lead to widespread warfare. The resulting global conflict led to significant loss of life, shifts in territorial boundaries, and laid the groundwork for subsequent tensions during the Cold War era as superpowers emerged from the ashes of WWII.

Related terms

Blitzkrieg:

A military tactic used by the Germans that emphasized rapid movement and surprise attacks to quickly overwhelm the enemy.

Allied Powers:

The coalition of countries, including Britain and France, that opposed the Axis Powers during World War II.

Munich Agreement:

A settlement reached in September 1938 that allowed Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia, reflecting the policy of appeasement by Britain and France.