The Partition of Poland in 1939
The Agreement between USSR & Germany
On September 28, 1939, the world witnessed a tragic turning point in Eastern European history as the USSR and Germany finalized their plans to partition Poland.
Hitler's Role in the Partition
Adolf Hitler, leading Nazi Germany, orchestrated the invasion of Poland that commenced on September 1, 1939, seeking to dominate Europe and asserting Germany's expansionist agenda.
The Impact of the Partition on Polish Society
The Plight of Polish Jews
As the partition unfolded, it had catastrophic consequences for the Polish population, particularly the Jewish community, with Hitler implementing measures leading to mass deportations that would result in the brutal extermination of countless innocent lives.
Consequences for Poland and Its People
The aftermath of the partition devastated Polish society, obliterating national identity and leading to years of oppression under both Nazi and Soviet regimes.
Fun Fact
A Forgotten Result of the Partition
In an ironic twist, the non-aggression pact between Germany and the USSR, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which included the secret protocols for the partition of Poland, was not an alliance of friendship but rather a cynical agreement between two brutal regimes.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on the Partition of Poland
For a deeper understanding, consider reading "The Rape of Poland" and "Hitler's Willing Executioners" which detail the circumstances surrounding the partition and its devastating effects.