6. (a) Significance of Hitler’s Decision to Attack Poland in 1939 Flashcards
Give three reasons why Hitler decided to attack Poland in 1939.
- Hitler’s misconception about French and British appeasement and that guarantee of Poland was simply a bluff
- To regain territory lost in the Versailles Settlement (1919), such as Polish Corridor and Danzig
- Nazi-Soviet Pact (24th August, 1939) that removed what Hitler believed to be his greatest obstacle to a Polish invasion: USSR
Other factors you could have said:
- Ideological elements, as Germany was expanding its living space at the expense of perceived ‘racially inferior’ people (such as Poles and Jews)
- Hubris regarding blitzkrieg tactics
When did Hitler attack Poland?
1st September, 1939
When did the last operational Polish unit surrender?
6th October, 1939
How did the attack on Poland suggest Hitler had misjudged?
Britain and France maintained the promise they had made under their guarantee to Poland. They declared war on Germany on 3rd September, 1939.
How did the attack on Poland suggest the beginning of the racial war in the east?
The planning of the invasion included death squads. Poland was divided into three areas, with the German-controlled sections of Warthegau and ‘General Government’ seeing ‘Germanisation’ and Poles being deported and used for forced labour. Ghettos for Jews were established.
How was Hitler’s subjugation of Poland viewed in Germany in 1939?
Positively; Hitler was reaching the height of public esteem in Germany.
