Eighty-four years ago, on September 17, 1939, the world witnessed a pivotal moment that would forever change the course of Polish history. It was on this day that the Soviet Union, under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, launched a full-scale invasion of Poland, just 16 days after Nazi Germany had initiated its own assault on the nation from the West. This joint aggression by two formidable powers sealed Poland’s fate, rendering it virtually impossible for the country to stand alone against the dual onslaught.
Today, the people of Poland commemorate the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Soviet Aggression, a sombre occasion that serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by their ancestors during those dark times.
The Double Aggression: Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union Unleash Chaos on Poland in 1939
In 1939, the world was on the brink of one of the most devastating conflicts in human history, World War II. Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, had already launched its brutal invasion of Poland on September 1st, 1939, with tanks, artillery, and airstrikes. The Polish army fought valiantly, but they were ill-prepared to withstand the might of the German war machine.
Just when it seemed that Poland’s situation couldn’t get any worse, the Soviet Union, with its own territorial ambitions, entered the fray. In a secret protocol within the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed in August 1939, Hitler and Stalin had agreed to divide Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. Poland, trapped between these two ruthless regimes, was the first victim of this sinister pact.
Poland’s Darkest Hour: The Soviet Invasion and the Resilience of a Nation
On September 17, 1939, Soviet forces crossed Poland’s eastern border, meeting little resistance. The Red Army swiftly occupied vast territories, effectively dividing the country in half with the Germans. Polish soldiers and civilians faced the brutality of two invading armies, and many were taken as prisoners of war, deported to labour camps, or subjected to mass executions. The nation’s sovereignty was crushed under the boots of these invaders.
Poland’s plight during this period is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. Despite the overwhelming odds, a Polish government-in-exile was established, and the Polish Home Army (Armia Krajowa) waged a fierce underground resistance campaign throughout the occupation. The Polish spirit remained unbroken, even in the face of unimaginable suffering.
It was not until the conclusion of World War II in 1945 that Poland’s fate began to change. The Allied victory led to the end of Nazi rule, but it also brought about the establishment of a communist regime in Poland, heavily influenced and controlled by the Soviet Union. Poland remained behind the Iron Curtain for over four decades, struggling for freedom and independence.
#OTD 84 years ago the Soviet Union invaded Poland. This sealed the fate of the country that was no longer able to win a lone battle against both Nazi Germany and the USSR.
— Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland (@PremierRP_en) September 17, 2023
Today Polish people commemorate the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Soviet Aggression.#WeRemember! pic.twitter.com/NLP7JjAzfi