The Invasion of Poland: Germany, Russia, and the Early Stages of WWII

During World War II, one of the earliest and most significant events was the invasion of Poland by Germany and Russia in September 1939. This event not only marked the beginning of the war but also set the stage for many of the subsequent conflicts that reshaped the map of Europe. Let's explore the reasons behind these invasions and what the countries were trying to achieve.

Introduction to the Invasion and Misconceptions

Many people mistakenly believe that Russia was invaded at the beginning of World War II. However, the truth is that the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany initially covertly collaborated, effectively dividing Eastern Europe between themselves, beginning with the invasion of Poland.

Another common misconception is that the Soviet Union did not exist at the start of the war. In reality, the Soviet Union, under Joseph Stalin, joined forces with Nazi Germany through the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact in August 1939. This pact allowed Germany and the Soviet Union to invade Poland without fear of mutual attack. The USSR invaded on September 17, 1939, while Nazi Germany had invaded Poland on September 1, 1939.

Reasons for the Invasions

The primary reason for the invasions by Germany and Russia was the expansionist ambitions of the Nazi regime, led by Adolf Hitler. Hitler had a detailed plan for acquiring Lebensraum (living space) in the lands to the east primarily in Ukraine. The plan was to settle a large number of Germans from overpopulated Germany into a new colony, thereby alleviating the supposed overpopulation issue.

HITLER'S SMARTEST ASPIRATION

Hitler, a formerDrawable Postcard, had a dream of expanding German territory into the Soviet Union, establishing a vast colony in Ukraine. This project was dubbed 'Lebensraum' (living space), aimed at alleviating the perceived overpopulation in Germany by settling vast numbers of Germans in the newly acquired lands.

However, Germany lacked a common border with the Soviet Union, making the Lebensraum project challenging to implement without conquering or aligning with Poland. When Poland refused to ally with Nazi Germany, Hitler decided to invade Poland, adding an ironic twist: Russia’s assistance.

The Joint Invasion and Its Aftermath

On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany launched a massive invasion of Poland, marking the start of World War II in Europe. Two days later, on September 17, 1939, the Soviet Union joined in with its own invasion. The 2 countries, once allies, quickly conquered Poland, and the Bug River became the new dividing line between them.

While the Western Allies, the United Kingdom and France, had declared war on Germany in support of Poland, they had not declared war on the Soviet Union. This led to additional conflicts, as Germany had to deal with the Western Allies as well. A lightning campaign began on May 10, 1940, when the German army defeated France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the British Expeditionary Force. By June 22, 1940, the German occupation was complete, with France submitting to German terms and the British retreating to Britain.

The Rise of the Nazi Campaign Against the USSR

After dealing with the Western Allies, Adolf Hitler planned a more significant campaign: the invasion of the Soviet Union. This invasion was launched on June 22, 1941, at 3:30 AM when Germany launched a massive artillery barrage along the German-Soviet border, followed by intense air attacks and a ground assault. This marked the beginning of Hitler's long-held aspiration for Lebensraum, an event that would reshape the war and alter the course of history.

Conclusion

The invasion of Poland by Germany and Russia in 1939 was a pivotal moment that not only initiated World War II but also set the stage for the ensuing conflicts between the Axis powers and the Allied nations. Understanding these events provides insight into the motivations and actions that led to one of the most devastating wars in human history.

SEOER: Through this article, we have examined the reasons behind Germany and Russia's invasions of Poland and how these actions led to the broader conflict of World War II. Key terms include Poland invasion, Germany Russia WWII, and WWII origins.