Germany Invades Poland Between Their Two Countries

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Germany Invades Poland Between Their Two Countries fronts as it had before. However, the Nazi-Soviet Name pact went further than that. It also included secret deals in which Germany and the Soviet Union decided how they would divide up Poland Germany Invades Poland between their two countries. By Sharon Fabian With this agreement in place, Nazi Germany In 1939, the Nazis could invade Poland without fear of losing. On ruled Germany. Adolf September 1, 1939, the invasion began. Germany Hitler, the Nazi leader of attacked Poland from the west, beginning with a Germany, said that blitzkrieg, the famous Nazi "lightning war," which Germans were a was a massive air attack. German pilots bombed superior race. He said targets in Poland including military posts, airfields, that Germans had the railroad depots, factories, and cities. That initial right to conquer inferior groups such as the Slavs attack was followed up within hours by a huge of Poland. He wanted to invade and take over invasion of tanks and troops. The troops moved in Poland. However, the Nazis wanted to be sure from the north and the south to surround the that, if their invasion started another war, Polish forces. Germany would win this time. They did not want a repeat of World War I. Poland fought back, but its army was no match for the German invasion. Poland's allies also So, they made careful preparations. responded. On that same day, September 1, Great Britain and France gave Hitler an ultimatum. The Nazis made an agreement, known as the Their ambassadors took a message to Germany. It "Pact of Steel" with their ally, Italy. Germany and said that the invasion must stop, or they would Italy agreed to support each other in the event of declare war on Germany. With the invasion still war. in full force two days later, on September 3, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany. Germany also made a secret agreement with World War II began. the Soviet Union. This was known as a "non-aggression pact." It was an agreement The United States decided to remain neutral, between the two countries not to go to war against but other countries, including Australia, New each other. This was important to Germany Zealand, and Canada, joined the war on the side of because it did not want to fight a war on two the Allies. Germany Invades Poland Name Questions 1. The German invasion of Poland was the event On September 17, the Soviet Union joined the that started ______. German invasion, and it invaded Poland from the east. A. World War I B. the Cold War In Poland, the situation continued to worsen. C. World War II Germany took over the capital city of Warsaw. D. the Great Depression Troops paraded through the city in their Nazi uniforms, boots, and helmets. Citizens of Poland 2. Germany invaded Poland on ______. were forced to quarter German troops in their A. September 3, 1942 houses. Polish Jews faced more and more B. September 1, 1939 restrictions. C. September 1, 1942 D. September 3, 1939 By the end of September, Germany and the Soviet Union divided Poland as they had 3. Germany made agreements with ______. originally planned in their secret agreement. The A. neither country of Poland ceased to exist. B. the Soviet Union C. Italy By the end of World War II, millions of Polish D. both citizens, including most Polish Jews, had been forced into concentration camps. Millions of 4. Great Britain, France, and other countries Polish citizens had been killed. entered the war on Poland's side. A. false B. true 5. After the Allies entered the war in support of Poland, Poland defeated Germany. A. true B. false Name 6. The word blitzkrieg means ______. A. disagreement B. tank attack C. lightning war D. German war 7. At the time of World War II, Germany was led by the ______. A. Jews B. Polish C. British D. Nazis 8. Which happened first? A. Great Britain declared war. B. The United States declared war. C. Germany invaded Poland. D. Germany signed a secret agreement with the Soviet Union. Write about several reasons why Germany was able to take over Poland..
Recommended publications
  • Axis Blitzkrieg: Warsaw and Battle of Britain
    Axis Blitzkrieg: Warsaw and Battle of Britain By Skyla Gabriel and Hannah Seidl Background on Axis Blitzkrieg ● A military strategy specifically designed to create disorganization in enemy forces by logical firepower and mobility of forces ● Limits civilian casualty and waste of fire power ● Developed in Germany 1918-1939 as a result of WW1 ● Used in Warsaw, Poland in 1939, then with eventually used in Belgium, the Netherlands, North Africa, and even against the Soviet Union Hitler’s Plan and “The Night Before” ● Due to the non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union, once the Polish state was divided up, Hitler would colonize the territory and only allow the “superior race” to live there and would enslave the natives. ● On August 31, 1939 Hitler ordered Nazi S.S. troops,wearing Polish officer uniforms, to sneak into Poland. ● The troops did minor damage to buildings and equipment. ● Left dead concentration camp prisoners in Polish uniforms ● This was meant to mar the start of the Polish Invasion when the bodies were found in the morning by Polish officers Initial stages ● Initially, one of Hitler’s first acts after coming to power was to sign a nonaggression pact (January 1934) with Poland in order to avoid a French- Polish alliance before Germany could rearm. ● Through 1935- March 1939 Germany slowly gained more power through rearmament (agreed to by both France and Britain), Germany then gained back the Rhineland through militarization, annexation of Austria, and finally at the Munich Conference they were given the Sudetenland. ● Once Czechoslovakia was dismembered Britain and France responded by essentially backing Poland and Hitler responded by signing a non-aggression with the Soviet Union in the summer of 1939 ● The German-Soviet pact agreed Poland be split between the two powers, the new pact allowed Germany to attack Poland without fear of Soviet intervention The Attack ● On September 1st, 1939 Germany invaded Warsaw, Poland ● Schleswig-Holstein, a German Battleship at 4:45am began to fire on the Polish garrison in Westerplatte Fort, Danzig.
    [Show full text]
  • A Short History of Poland and Lithuania
    A Short History of Poland and Lithuania Chapter 1. The Origin of the Polish Nation.................................3 Chapter 2. The Piast Dynasty...................................................4 Chapter 3. Lithuania until the Union with Poland.........................7 Chapter 4. The Personal Union of Poland and Lithuania under the Jagiellon Dynasty. ..................................................8 Chapter 5. The Full Union of Poland and Lithuania. ................... 11 Chapter 6. The Decline of Poland-Lithuania.............................. 13 Chapter 7. The Partitions of Poland-Lithuania : The Napoleonic Interlude............................................................. 16 Chapter 8. Divided Poland-Lithuania in the 19th Century. .......... 18 Chapter 9. The Early 20th Century : The First World War and The Revival of Poland and Lithuania. ............................. 21 Chapter 10. Independent Poland and Lithuania between the bTwo World Wars.......................................................... 25 Chapter 11. The Second World War. ......................................... 28 Appendix. Some Population Statistics..................................... 33 Map 1: Early Times ......................................................... 35 Map 2: Poland Lithuania in the 15th Century........................ 36 Map 3: The Partitions of Poland-Lithuania ........................... 38 Map 4: Modern North-east Europe ..................................... 40 1 Foreword. Poland and Lithuania have been linked together in this history because
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of the Second World War on the Decolonization of Africa
    Bowling Green State University ScholarWorks@BGSU 17th Annual Africana Studies Student Research Africana Studies Student Research Conference Conference and Luncheon Feb 13th, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM The Impact of the Second World War on the Decolonization of Africa Erin Myrice Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/africana_studies_conf Part of the African Languages and Societies Commons Myrice, Erin, "The Impact of the Second World War on the Decolonization of Africa" (2015). Africana Studies Student Research Conference. 2. https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/africana_studies_conf/2015/004/2 This Event is brought to you for free and open access by the Conferences and Events at ScholarWorks@BGSU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Africana Studies Student Research Conference by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@BGSU. The Impact of the Second World War on the Decolonization of Africa Erin Myrice 2 “An African poet, Taban Lo Liyong, once said that Africans have three white men to thank for their political freedom and independence: Nietzsche, Hitler, and Marx.” 1 Marx raised awareness of oppressed peoples around the world, while also creating the idea of economic exploitation of living human beings. Nietzsche created the idea of a superman and a master race. Hitler attempted to implement Nietzsche’s ideas into Germany with an ultimate goal of reaching the whole world. Hitler’s attempted implementation of his version of a ‘master race’ led to one of the most bloody, horrific, and destructive wars the world has ever encountered. While this statement by Liyong was bold, it held truth. The Second World War was a catalyst for African political freedom and independence.
    [Show full text]
  • Japan and the Second World War: the Aftermath of Imperialism Joseph A
    Japan and The Second World War: The Aftermath of Imperialism Joseph A. Mauriello IR 163 Professor Raymond F. Wylie 3/23/99 Japan and The Second World War: The Aftermath of Imperialism Joseph A. Mauriello Table of Contents Introduction....................................................1 Rise of Imperialism.............................................2 Evolution of Japanese Imperialism...............................3 Japan Embraces Imperialism......................................5 Japan Between the Wars..........................................5 Japanese Position in World Affairs..............................6 Japanese Outlook on Global Affairs..............................7 Rise of Militarism..............................................8 Impact of Militarism............................................9 Events Leading up to World War II...............................11 The Second World War: From Japans Perspective..................12 The Second World War: From Americas Perspective................14 Conclusion......................................................16 List of References..............................................17 Endnotes........................................................18 1 Japan and The Second World War: The Aftermath of Imperialism by Joseph A. Mauriello Introduction During the era of the weak emperor Taisho (1912-1926), the political power gradually shifted from the oligarchic genro to the parliament and the democratic parties. In World War I, Japan joined the allied powers, but only played a minor role in fighting
    [Show full text]
  • War Crimes in the Philippines During WWII Cecilia Gaerlan
    War Crimes in the Philippines during WWII Cecilia Gaerlan When one talks about war crimes in the Pacific, the Rape of Nanking instantly comes to mind.Although Japan signed the 1929 Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War, it did not ratify it, partly due to the political turmoil going on in Japan during that time period.1 The massacre of prisoners-of-war and civilians took place all over countries occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army long before the outbreak of WWII using the same methodology of terror and bestiality. The war crimes during WWII in the Philippines described in this paper include those that occurred during the administration of General Masaharu Homma (December 22, 1941, to August 1942) and General Tomoyuki Yamashita (October 8, 1944, to September 3, 1945). Both commanders were executed in the Philippines in 1946. Origins of Methodology After the inauguration of the state of Manchukuo (Manchuria) on March 9, 1932, steps were made to counter the resistance by the Chinese Volunteer Armies that were active in areas around Mukden, Haisheng, and Yingkow.2 After fighting broke in Mukden on August 8, 1932, Imperial Japanese Army Vice Minister of War General Kumiaki Koiso (later convicted as a war criminal) was appointed Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army (previously Chief of Military Affairs Bureau from January 8, 1930, to February 29, 1932).3 Shortly thereafter, General Koiso issued a directive on the treatment of Chinese troops as well as inhabitants of cities and towns in retaliation for actual or supposed aid rendered to Chinese troops.4 This directive came under the plan for the economic “Co-existence and co-prosperity” of Japan and Manchukuo.5 The two countries would form one economic bloc.
    [Show full text]
  • The Axis Advances
    wh07_te_ch17_s02_MOD_s.fm Page 568 Monday, March 12, 2007 2:32WH07MOD_se_CH17_s02_s.fm PM Page 568 Monday, January 29, 2007 6:01 PM Step-by-Step German fighter plane SECTION Instruction 2 WITNESS HISTORY AUDIO Objectives Janina’s War Story As you teach this section, keep students “ It was 10:30 in the morning and I was helping my focused on the following objectives to help mother and a servant girl with bags and baskets as them answer the Section Focus Question they set out for the market. Suddenly the high- and master core content. pitch scream of diving planes caused everyone to 2 freeze. Countless explosions shook our house ■ Describe how the Axis powers came to followed by the rat-tat-tat of strafing machine control much of Europe, but failed to guns. We could only stare at each other in horror. conquer Britain. Later reports would confirm that several German Janina Sulkowska in ■ Summarize Germany’s invasion of the the early 1930s Stukas had screamed out of a blue sky and . Soviet Union. dropped several bombs along the main street— and then returned to strafe the market. The carnage ■ Understand the horror of the genocide was terrible. the Nazis committed. —Janina Sulkowska,” Krzemieniec, Poland, ■ Describe the role of the United States September 12, 1939 before and after joining World War II. Focus Question Which regions were attacked and occupied by the Axis powers, and what was life like under their occupation? Prepare to Read The Axis Advances Build Background Knowledge L3 Objectives Diplomacy and compromise had not satisfied the Axis powers’ Remind students that the German attack • Describe how the Axis powers came to control hunger for empire.
    [Show full text]
  • The Buildup of the German War Economy: the Importance of the Nazi-Soviet Economic Agreements of 1939 and 1940 by Samantha Carl I
    The Buildup of the German War Economy: The Importance of the Nazi-Soviet Economic Agreements of 1939 and 1940 By Samantha Carl INTRODUCTION German-Soviet relations in the early half of the twentieth century have been marked by periods of rapprochement followed by increasing tensions. After World War I, where the nations fought on opposite sides, Germany and the Soviet Union focused on their respective domestic problems and tensions began to ease. During the 1920s, Germany and the Soviet Union moved toward normal relations with the signing of the Treaty of Rapallo in 1922.(1) Tensions were once again apparent after 1933, when Adolf Hitler gained power in Germany. Using propaganda and anti-Bolshevik rhetoric, Hitler depicted the Soviet Union as Germany's true enemy.(2) Despite the animosity between the two nations, the benefits of trade enabled them to maintain economic relations throughout the inter-war period. It was this very relationship that paved the way for the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact of 1939 and the subsequent outbreak of World War II. Nazi-Soviet relations on the eve of the war were vital to the war movement of each respective nation. In essence, the conclusion of the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact on August 23, 1939 allowed Germany to augment its war effort while diminishing the Soviet fear of a German invasion.(3) The betterment of relations was a carefully planned program in which Hitler sought to achieve two important goals. First, he sought to prevent a two-front war from developing upon the invasion of Poland. Second, he sought to gain valuable raw materials that were necessary for the war movement.(4) The only way to meet these goals was to pursue the completion of two pacts with the Soviet Union: an economic agreement as well as a political one.
    [Show full text]
  • Atrocities During World War II
    Atrocities during World War II Purpose: To expose students to the truth of the utter brutality of atrocities during wartime and discuss/analyze the possible reasons that seemingly “civilized” nations produce individuals capable of horrific deeds. Students have spent considerable time in earlier grades addressing the tragedy of the Holocaust and will now see that this war had brutality beyond this experience. This lesson is a part of a two-week unit covering the Second World War. Grade level: 10th grade United States History but also appropriate in Global History. Topic: Comparing Japanese Imperial Army atrocities with other WWII atrocities. Time: To be completed in one to two 47 minute periods. Materials: Additional readings addressing Japanese and German atrocities (attached). Selections from: Crimes of Obedience: Toward a Social Psychology of Authority and Responsibility by Herbert C Kelman Flyboys by James Bradford Skills: Students acquire basis knowledge and are placed in a position of critical analysis of actions by so-called civilized nations. Procedures: Class is divided roughly in half with one group given copies of attached readings regarding Japanese atrocities and half given readings regarding German atrocities as homework from the previous class. Students will share some of the details of their readings. Subsequent student-led discussion will focus on answering the following prompts: ¾ Is there an explanation for actions by combatants? ¾ What leads modern states to be involved in these activities? (Share insights from Flyboys
    [Show full text]
  • WHO's WHO in the WAR in EUROPE the War in Europe 7 CHARLES DE GAULLE
    who’s Who in the War in Europe (National Archives and Records Administration, 342-FH-3A-20068.) POLITICAL LEADERS Allies FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT When World War II began, many Americans strongly opposed involvement in foreign conflicts. President Roosevelt maintained official USneutrality but supported measures like the Lend-Lease Act, which provided invaluable aid to countries battling Axis aggression. After Pearl Harbor and Germany’s declaration of war on the United States, Roosevelt rallied the country to fight the Axis powers as part of the Grand Alliance with Great Britain and the Soviet Union. (Image: Library of Congress, LC-USZ62-128765.) WINSTON CHURCHILL In the 1930s, Churchill fiercely opposed Westernappeasement of Nazi Germany. He became prime minister in May 1940 following a German blitzkrieg (lightning war) against Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. He then played a pivotal role in building a global alliance to stop the German juggernaut. One of the greatest orators of the century, Churchill raised the spirits of his countrymen through the war’s darkest days as Germany threatened to invade Great Britain and unleashed a devastating nighttime bombing program on London and other major cities. (Image: Library of Congress, LC-USW33-019093-C.) JOSEPH STALIN Stalin rose through the ranks of the Communist Party to emerge as the absolute ruler of the Soviet Union. In the 1930s, he conducted a reign of terror against his political opponents, including much of the country’s top military leadership. His purge of Red Army generals suspected of being disloyal to him left his country desperately unprepared when Germany invaded in June 1941.
    [Show full text]
  • 6 the Causes of World War Ii in Europe: Hitlerls
    6 THE CAUSES OF WORLD WAR II IN EUROPE: HITLER’S WAR As you read this chapter, consider the following essay question: • To what extent was World War II ‘Hitler’s War’? As you have read, there were problems with peacekeeping in the 1920s, and there were aggressive and expansionist states that were threatening peace (Japan in Manchuria and Italy in Abyssinia) in the 1930s. Yet according to some historians, and according to Britain’s wartime leader, Winston Churchill, World War II was primarily caused by the ambitions and policies of Adolf Hitler – the conflict was ‘Hitler’s War’. Timeline to the outbreak of war – 1933–39 1933 Jan Hitler becomes Chancellor in Germany Feb Hitler introduces programme of rearmament Oct Hitler leaves Disarmament Conference / announces intention to withdraw Germany from A Nazi election poster from the 1930s. The text translates League of Nations ‘Break free now! Vote Hitler.’ 1934 Jan Germany signs Non-Aggression Pact with Poland 1935 Jan Plebiscite in Saar; Germans there vote for return of territory to Germany Mar Conscription re-introduced in Germany. Stresa agreements between Britain, France and Italy Jun Anglo-German Naval Treaty Oct Italian invasion of Abyssinia 1936 Mar Germany remilitarizes the Rhineland Jun Hitler sends military support to Franco’s Nationalists in Spain Aug Hitler’s Four Year Plan drafted for war Nov Anti-Comintern Pact with Japan; Rome–Berlin Axis signed 1937 May Neville Chamberlain becomes Prime Minister in Britain Jul Sino-Japanese War begins Nov Hossbach Memorandum; war plans meeting
    [Show full text]
  • The Crime of Genocide Committed Against the Poles by the USSR Before and During World War II: an International Legal Study, 45 Case W
    Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law Volume 45 | Issue 3 2012 The rC ime of Genocide Committed against the Poles by the USSR before and during World War II: An International Legal Study Karol Karski Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/jil Part of the International Law Commons Recommended Citation Karol Karski, The Crime of Genocide Committed against the Poles by the USSR before and during World War II: An International Legal Study, 45 Case W. Res. J. Int'l L. 703 (2013) Available at: https://scholarlycommons.law.case.edu/jil/vol45/iss3/4 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Journals at Case Western Reserve University School of Law Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law by an authorized administrator of Case Western Reserve University School of Law Scholarly Commons. Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law Volume 45 Spring 2013 Issue 3 The Crime of Genocide Committed Against the Poles by the USSR Before and During WWII: An International Legal Study Karol Karski Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law·Vol. 45·2013 The Crime of Genocide Committed Against the Poles The Crime of Genocide Committed Against the Poles by the USSR Before and During World War II: An International Legal Study Karol Karski* The USSR’s genocidal activity against the Polish nation started before World War II. For instance, during the NKVD’s “Polish operation” of 1937 and 1938, the Communist regime exterminated about 85,000 Poles living at that time on the pre- war territory of the USSR.
    [Show full text]
  • 2018 Tyranny Apr16 EBD.Indd
    Introducing an all-new 9-night land and cruise program featuring author and historian Alexandra Richie, DPhil Tyranny on Two Fronts THE BALTIC DURING WORLD WAR II June 6 – 15, 2018 Sweden • Finland • Russia • Estonia • Denmark Save $2,000 per couple when booked by April 16, 2018 Dear Friends, Engage. Reflect. Explore. The National WWII Museum’s Tyranny on Two Fronts land and cruise program, featuring noted historian Dr. Alexandra Richie, explores WITH THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM EDUCATIONAL TRAVEL PROGRAM the tangled web of alliances along the Baltic Sea coast during World War II. This 9-night educational program on board the magnificent Le Soléal takes you to historic ports of call including Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, and Copenhagen to trace the complicated decisions the Baltic nations faced as wartime pressure mounted on them to collaborate with either Nazi Germany or the Soviet Union. Events in the Baltic played a key role in shaping the outcome of World War II. During the early years of the conflict, Scandinavia and the Baltic countries endured one-of-a-kind circumstances. With brutal dictators arrayed on both sides, Sweden, Norway, and Finland found themselves trapped in the middle and had to rely on a complex set of negotiations and alliances for survival. The Red Army’s disastrous performance in the early part of the “Winter War” with Finland (1939-40) led Hitler to believe that an invasion of the Soviet Union would be a simple matter. Finland joined the Germans in the initial drive into Russia in 1941, but stopped short of launching a direct attack on Leningrad (known today as St.
    [Show full text]