September Campaign

Event: German and USSR Invasion of Poland

  • German Invasion:

    • Germans invaded Poland from the North, South, and West.

    • Employed the blitzkrieg strategy: a surprise attack coupled with a hard, rapid push.

  • USSR Invasion:

    • The USSR simultaneously invaded Poland from the East.

  • Polish Resistance:

    • The Poles fought bravely against the invaders.

    • However, the Polish army was outmatched and stood no chance against the German forces.

  • Outcome:

    • Poland never formally surrendered.

    • The country was ultimately taken over and occupied by both Germany and the USSR.

Results of the Invasion

  • Division of Poland:

    • Poland was partitioned between Germany and the USSR.

  • Declaration of War:

    • Britain and France declared war against Germany.

    • This declaration was a direct response to Germany's refusal to withdraw its forces from Poland.

Long-Term Results

  • Beginning of WWII:

    • The invasion of Poland is considered the event that marked the beginning of World War II.

Overview of September 1, 1939

  • German Invasion:

    • On September 1, 1939, German troops initiated the invasion of Poland.

  • British Ultimatum:

    • Britain issued an ultimatum to Germany, demanding the withdrawal of German forces from Poland.

  • Declaration of War:

    • Following the rejection of the ultimatum, Britain and France declared war on Germany.

  • Canadian Response:

    • Canada did not automatically enter the war alongside Britain, unlike in 1914.

    • The Canadian Parliament held a debate on the issue.

    • On September 10, Canada independently declared war.

  • Occupation of Poland:

    • By October 6, 1939, Germany and the USSR had completed their takeover of Poland.

September Campaign

  • Causes:

    • Hitler's Belief: Hitler had come to believe that no one could effectively stop him from taking what he desired.

    • Molotov-Ribbentrop Agreement: Germany and the USSR signed a secret Treaty of Non-Aggression, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Agreement, agreeing to invade and divide Poland between them.