1939 Invasion of Poland

The 1939 Invasion of Poland marked the beginning of World War II. On September 1, Nazi Germany, led by Adolf Hitler, launched a blitzkrieg (lightning war) against Poland, employing fast-moving military tactics with planes and tanks. The invasion was swift, overwhelming Polish defenses. Just weeks later, on September 17, the Soviet Union invaded from the east, in accordance with a secret agreement with Germany. The invasion led to Poland's swift defeat, resulting in its division between Germany and the Soviet Union, and signaled the escalation of conflict in Europe that would engulf the world in war.