Poland and Poles During 1942-1943

Situation of Poland and Poles (1942-1943)

  • Curzon Line: In 1942-1943, PKWN (Polish Committee of National Liberation) established the Curzon Line as the border between states, with minor adjustments favoring Poland in the Białowieża Forest.

  • Transformation of Government: On December 31, 1944, PKWN transitioned into the Provisional Government of the Polish Republic, led by Prime Minister Edward Osóbka-Morawski and Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Gomułka, with two governments present - one in London and one in Lublin.

  • Legal Validity: According to Polish and international law, only the London-based government was legally recognized.

  • Territorial Control: Map highlighting German occupation, Soviet occupation, and territories controlled by PKWN.

  • Key Figures:

    • Michał Rola-Żymierski (1890-1989):

    • WWI service in Polish Legions.

    • Removed from military service in 1926 due to corruption, imprisoned for five years.

    • Aligned with communists post-prison; commander of the AL (People's Army), became Minister of National Defense in 1944 and Marshal of Poland in 1945. Was responsible for political repression in the army.

    • Wanda Wasilewska (1905-1964):

    • Polish writer, involved with PPS before WWII.

    • Engaged in Sovietization of Polish territories. Became a deputy in Soviet parliament in 1940 and later helped to establish communist power in post-war Poland.

  • PKWN Announcement: July 22, 1944, marked the announcement of the PKWN Manifesto, recognizing PKWN as the sole legitimate Polish executive authority, repealing the 1935 constitution, and refusing to recognize the Polish government in exile.

  • Land Reform: Promised land reforms, assuring farmers of land acquired from delinquent landlords post-war, while adjusting borders to annex German territories east of the Oder River.

  • Financial Issues: In August 1944, PKWN began issuing new currency, with misprinted notes evidencing hasty translations and improper use of the name "National Bank of Poland,” which was created later in January 1945.

Political Landscape

  • Rada Jedności Narodowej (RJN): Created by underground structures including PPS, SL, SN, and SP on January 9, 1944, aiming to articulate Polish national interests and resist totalitarianism.

  • Krajowa Rada Narodowa (KRN): Formed by communists as a counterpart to the underground government structures, pushing for a new democratic Poland.

  • Władysław Gomułka: Prominent communist leader, Secretary of the PPR, played a significant role in the party and subsequent government following the war.

Ukraine and Polish Nationalism

  • Ukrainian Minority: The largest minority in interwar Poland, making up significant portions of the population in southeastern provinces.

  • OUN and Bandera: The Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), led by Stepan Bandera, sought Ukrainian independence, even aligning with Nazi Germany initially but later advocating for anti-Polish actions during the war.

  • Volhynian Massacre:

    • A case of ethnic cleansing initiated by UPA (Ukrainian Insurgent Army) against Poles, particularly on Volhynia in 1943, with peak terror on July 11, 1943 (Bloody Sunday).

    • Estimated 100,000 Poles were killed as UPA aimed to eliminate Polish presence in Eastern Galicia; Polish retaliatory actions resulted in deaths on both sides.

Polish Underground State

  • Formation of Structures: Beginning as early as 1939, the Polish Underground became known for its organized resistance, comprising military and civilian branches under a unified command.

  • Core Organizations: Included ZWZ (Union of Armed Struggle), later transformed into AK (Armia Krajowa); PKWN also emerged as the political executive focused on coordinating resistance.

  • Civilian Resistance: Forms of civil resistance included cultural sabotage and clandestine educational efforts, exemplified by underground schooling initiatives despite intense surveillance and repression by the Nazis.

  • Warsaw Uprising: The 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising served as a crucial symbol of resistance against Nazi oppression, despite being met with brutal suppression leading to a tragic loss of life amongst the Jewish population.

Summary of Key Dates

  • Key Events Timeline:

    • January 9, 1944: Formation of RJN.

    • July 22, 1944: Establishment of PKWN.

    • February 9, 1943: Beginning of Volhynian massacres.

    • March 1944: Formation of Krajowa Rada Narodowa.

This overview encapsulates the dynamic array of political, military, and social challenges faced by Poland during the wartime period, emphasizing the struggle for sovereignty, the fight against oppression, and the development of a national identity under extreme duress.