Military history of Poland

Poland's military history is marked by its strategic location in Europe, leading to frequent invasions and conflicts. Key events include the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth's military power in the 16th-17th centuries, the partitions of Poland in the late 18th century that erased it from the map, and the struggle for independence during World War I. In World War II, Poland was invaded by Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939. Post-war, Poland was under Soviet influence until the fall of communism in 1989, leading to its current role in NATO and European security alongside its historical resilience.