September 17, 1939

Definition

September 17, 1939, marks the date when the Soviet Union invaded Poland from the east, just weeks after Germany invaded from the west. This invasion was a result of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, which allowed both countries to divide Eastern Europe between them. The coordinated attacks led to the swift defeat and partitioning of Poland, significantly altering the balance of power in Europe during the early stages of World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Soviet invasion on September 17 occurred just 16 days after Germany's initial attack on Poland, showcasing a coordinated plan between the two powers.
2. Poland's military was unprepared for a two-front war, resulting in its rapid defeat and subsequent occupation by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
3. The invasion led to widespread atrocities and repression in Polish territories controlled by both invaders, affecting the local population severely.
4. The actions taken on September 17 solidified the alliance between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, at least temporarily, allowing both to expand their territories without immediate conflict.
5. This event contributed to the broader context of World War II by establishing a precedent for further territorial expansion by totalitarian regimes in Europe.

Review Questions

• How did the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact enable the events that took place on September 17, 1939?
  • The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact created a political alliance between Germany and the Soviet Union that allowed for mutual cooperation in territorial expansion. This pact included secret protocols that divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, paving the way for both nations to invade Poland without fear of conflict with each other. As a result, when Germany invaded from the west on September 1 and the Soviets followed suit on September 17, it highlighted how effectively this agreement facilitated their strategic aims.
• Discuss the immediate consequences of the Soviet invasion of Poland on September 17, 1939, for both Poland and the broader European landscape.
  • The immediate consequences of the Soviet invasion were devastating for Poland as it faced occupation from both German and Soviet forces. The Polish government was unable to effectively respond to a two-front invasion, leading to its collapse. This partitioning not only eliminated Poland as an independent state but also reshaped borders in Eastern Europe. The actions taken on this date set a dangerous precedent for future aggression by totalitarian regimes and contributed to escalating tensions that would characterize World War II.
• Evaluate how the events surrounding September 17, 1939, influenced later military strategies employed by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union throughout World War II.
  • The events surrounding September 17, 1939, illustrated the effectiveness of swift, coordinated military action between two allied powers. Both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union learned valuable lessons about rapid invasions and territorial acquisition without significant resistance. This experience influenced their strategies throughout World War II, where blitzkrieg tactics were employed by Germany in subsequent campaigns while the Soviets refined their approach to large-scale offensives. The collaboration showcased during the invasion also fostered further militarization and aggression as both regimes sought to expand their influence across Europe.

Related terms

Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact: An agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, signed on August 23, 1939, which promised that both countries would not attack each other and secretly divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.

Invasion of Poland: The military campaign initiated by Germany on September 1, 1939, which marked the beginning of World War II in Europe and led to the rapid occupation of Poland.

Partition of Poland: The division of Poland between Germany and the Soviet Union following their invasions in September 1939, leading to significant territorial and demographic changes in Eastern Europe.