The Sequence of Events: When Did Poland Get Invaded and Why It Influenced Britain and France
One of the most significant events leading up to World War II was the invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939. This event triggered a chain of actions and consequences that ultimately led to the declaration of war by Britain and France towards Germany. Understanding the sequence and context of these events is crucial to comprehending the broader implications of the conflict.
Germany’s Invasion of Poland (September 1, 1939)
On September 1, 1939, Germany launched a full-scale invasion of Poland. This was the immediate act of aggression that set the stage for the larger conflict that would follow. The invasion caught Poland off guard and the Polish forces were no match for the advanced military tactics and equipment used by the Germans.
Background and Treaty Obligations
Britain and France had a mutual defense treaty with Poland. According to this agreement, if Germany invaded Poland, they would be obligated to declare war against Germany. This treaty was signed as part of the broader effort to prevent a repeat of the events leading to World War I.
Consequently, when Germany invaded Poland, Britain and France were legally bound to honor their commitments and declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939. This act marked the official entry of these countries into the Second World War.
A Void Between Invasions: The Phony War
After the initial German invasion of Poland, there was a period of relative calm known as the “Phony War” or the ‘Sitzkrieg’ (Sitting War). This period lasted from October 1, 1939, to March 1940 and was characterized by inactivity on the Western front.
During this time, both Britain and France were engaged in a period of intensive preparation and strategy development. They feared a similar large-scale invasion as seen in World War I, where millions of lives were lost over four years.
Secret Agreements and Further Invading Forces
It is important to note that while the invasion of Poland by Germany was the initial trigger for Britain and France to declare war, other events also played a role in escalation. On September 17, 1939, the Soviet Union, under the guise of the SeptemberSecretProtokoll, invaded Poland from the east, joining the war after a 22-day non-aggression pact.
Both Germany and the Soviet Union had signed a secret agreement that delineated the spheres of influence they would have in Poland and the surrounding areas. This agreement was a significant factor in the invasion and subsequent carve-up of Polish territory.
Lessons from the Phony War
Looking to modern comparisons, the initial stage of World War II can be paralleled with the initial stages of wars in recent history. For instance, after the Vietnam War, the United States was cautious about becoming involved in another military conflict. President George W. Bush, during his presidency, led the United States in a coalition action (Operation Desert Storm) to reclaim Kuwait from Iraqi aggression, emphasizing a lesson learned from the Vietnam experience.
This reluctance to engage in large-scale military actions is also reflective of the cautious approach taken by Britain and France during the Phony War. Both nations had been deeply affected by World War I and sought to avoid a similar outcome.
Conclusion
The invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939, was a pivotal moment in history. It triggered a series of events that led to the broader conflict involving major powers like Britain and France. The Phony War that followed was a period of intense strategic planning and preparation, demonstrating the cautious and defensive nature of these nations in the face of a looming threat.
The events of that time provide valuable lessons in diplomatic strategy, the consequences of secret agreements, and the complex geopolitical landscape that can lead to large-scale conflicts.