On September 17, 1939, exactly 85 years ago, a significant and tragic event unfolded in Polish history. Just 16 days after Nazi Germany launched its attack from the west, the Soviet Union, under Joseph Stalin’s leadership, invaded Poland from the east. This two-front assault, a consequence of a secret pact between the two authoritarian powers, marked the downfall of Poland’s resistance and left the nation trapped between two oppressive regimes.
Poland commemorates this day with the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Soviet Aggression, reflecting on the sacrifices and suffering endured by its people during this dark chapter.
A Double Assault: Nazi Germany and Soviet Union Unleash Chaos
In 1939, the world was on the brink of World War II, a conflict that would reshape nations and cause untold devastation. Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, had begun its invasion of Poland on September 1, employing overwhelming military force—tanks, artillery, and airstrikes. Though Polish forces fought courageously, they were severely outmatched by the Germans’ technological and tactical superiority.
Just as Poland’s situation seemed hopeless, the Soviet Union added to its woes. The invasion was part of a broader strategy agreed upon in the secret Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, signed by Hitler and Stalin in August 1939. Under this agreement, both totalitarian regimes carved out spheres of influence in Eastern Europe, with Poland being the first target of their brutal territorial ambitions.
September 17, 1939: Soviet Forces Strike Poland’s Eastern Border
On that fateful September day, Soviet troops crossed Poland’s eastern frontier, encountering minimal resistance as the country was already overwhelmed by the German advance. The Red Army quickly seized vast regions, effectively splitting Poland between the two invaders. With its military stretched thin and under assault from both sides, Poland stood little chance of defending its sovereignty.
The consequences for Polish civilians and soldiers were dire. Many were taken prisoner, forcibly deported to Soviet labour camps, or executed en masse. The brutality inflicted by both invaders left the nation in ruins, its autonomy shattered.
Polish Resistance and the Long Struggle for Freedom
Despite these overwhelming challenges, Poland’s resolve never fully collapsed. A government-in-exile was quickly established, while the Polish Home Army mounted an extraordinary underground resistance against both the Nazi and Soviet occupations. This struggle would continue throughout the war and beyond, reflecting the unbroken spirit of the Polish people.
Poland’s ordeal didn’t end with the conclusion of World War II in 1945. Although Nazi Germany was defeated, the country found itself under Soviet influence, its freedom curtailed by a communist regime imposed from Moscow. For the next four decades, Poland remained under the shadow of Soviet control, its fight for true independence deferred until the collapse of the Iron Curtain in the late 20th century.