Invasion of Poland
Prelude
The Invasion of Poland, also known as the September Campaign or 1939 Defensive War in Poland and the Poland Campaign in Germany, was a military conflict that began on 1 September 1939. This marked the start of World War II and was the result of the Nazi regime's aggression towards the Republic of Poland. The invasion ended on 6 October 1939, with Germany and the Soviet Union occupying the entirety of Poland.
Background
The invasion was planned under the codename Fall Weiss (Case White) by the German High Command, led by Adolf Hitler. The aim was to destroy Poland and divide its territories between Germany and the Soviet Union, as agreed in the secret Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact. This non-aggression pact between the two powers had a secret protocol that defined the spheres of influence in Eastern Europe.
Invasion
The invasion began on 1 September 1939, when Germany launched attacks along the entire 1,750-kilometer border with Poland. The primary assault was led by the German Army (Heer), but the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) and Air Force (Luftwaffe) also participated.
Aftermath
The invasion marked the beginning of a brutal occupation, with widespread persecution and mass murder of Poland's Jewish population by the Nazis. It also led to the outbreak of World War II and the establishment of Germany's dominance in Europe.