Germany and Soviet Union invade Poland, WWII begins

Definition

The invasion of Poland by Germany and the Soviet Union in September 1939 marked the official start of World War II. This event was significant as it demonstrated the aggressive expansionist policies of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, leading to a rapid escalation of conflict across Europe and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The invasion of Poland began on September 1, 1939, when Germany launched a surprise attack, followed by the Soviet invasion on September 17, 1939.
2. The fall of Poland was rapid, taking only about a month for German and Soviet forces to fully occupy the country.
3. The invasion was facilitated by the terms of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which allowed both Germany and the Soviet Union to invade Poland without fear of conflict with each other.
4. This conflict resulted in the establishment of a brutal occupation regime in Poland by both powers, leading to significant civilian suffering and loss of life.
5. The invasion of Poland prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939, thus marking the formal start of World War II.

Review Questions

• What were the immediate consequences of Germany and the Soviet Union's invasion of Poland in September 1939?
  • The immediate consequences included the swift defeat of Polish defenses, with both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union quickly occupying Poland. The invasion shattered Polish sovereignty and led to severe repercussions for the Polish population under occupation. Additionally, this event prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany, escalating tensions into a full-scale global conflict.
• Analyze how the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact influenced the dynamics of the invasions of Poland by Germany and the Soviet Union.
  • The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact created a strategic alliance between Germany and the Soviet Union that allowed them to divide Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. This agreement enabled both powers to coordinate their military actions against Poland without fearing retaliation from each other. By securing this non-aggression treaty, Hitler could focus on his plans for Western Europe while Stalin expanded Soviet territory into Eastern Europe.
• Evaluate how the invasion of Poland set the stage for broader conflict in Europe during World War II.
  • The invasion of Poland was crucial in setting off World War II as it marked a clear violation of international norms and demonstrated the aggressive intentions of both totalitarian regimes. The rapid success of Blitzkrieg tactics showcased a new kind of warfare that would be employed throughout the conflict. Furthermore, Britain's and France's declaration of war highlighted a shift from appeasement to active military engagement against Axis powers, ultimately leading to a larger scale war involving multiple nations across Europe and beyond.

Related terms

Nazi Germany:

The regime led by Adolf Hitler from 1933 to 1945, characterized by totalitarian rule, aggressive nationalism, and the pursuit of territorial expansion.

Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact:

A non-aggression treaty signed between Germany and the Soviet Union in August 1939, which secretly divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.

Blitzkrieg:

A military strategy employed by Germany during World War II, characterized by swift, coordinated attacks using infantry, tanks, and air support to achieve rapid victories.