World-history / 1929 to Second World War / Poland Invasion 1939
Poland Invasion 1939
Invasion of Poland in 1939
- Background and Annexation of Czechoslovakia:
- After the annexation of Czechoslovakia, Britain decided to no longer appease Germany.
- Hitler's previous territorial claims were based on ethnicity and the Treaty of Versailles. The annexation of Czechoslovakia marked the first acquisition of non-German-populated territory.
- Hitler's Demands for Danzig and Polish Corridor:
- Hitler sought control over the city of Danzig, which had a 95% German population.
- He also wanted access to the Polish Corridor to establish rail-road connectivity to East Prussia.
- Concerns of Imminent Invasion:
- The Poles, still reeling from the Czechoslovakia situation, feared a full-scale invasion was imminent.
- British and French Commitment to Protect Poland:
- Britain and France reaffirmed their commitment to defend Poland.
- Failed Diplomatic Efforts:
- Despite efforts by Britain to pressure the Poles into concessions, they did not agree to German demands.
- Non-Aggression Pact with Russia:
- In 1939, Hitler signed a non-aggression pact with Russia (known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact) to keep the Soviet Union neutral.
- Invasion of Poland:
- With diplomatic avenues exhausted, Hitler proceeded with the full-scale invasion of Poland.
- The outbreak of World War II:
- The invasion of Poland in September 1939 marked the official beginning of World War II.
