German invasion of Poland

The German invasion of Poland occurred on September 1, 1939, marking the start of World War II. Adolf Hitler aimed to expand German territory and claimed he was protecting ethnic Germans in Poland. The invasion utilized a military strategy called Blitzkrieg, which combined fast attacks by air and ground forces. Poland was quickly overwhelmed due to its lack of preparation and support from allies. By September 27, Warsaw had fallen, and within weeks, Poland was divided between Germany and the Soviet Union, leading to widespread suffering and significant geopolitical changes in Europe.