I am a historian with a focus on 20th-century European history, particularly the events of World War II. My research has involved extensive study of the experiences of various nations during this time, including the Polish people. Here is a detailed account of what happened to the Polish people during World War II: Step 1: English Response The Polish people suffered immensely during World War II, a period marked by occupation, resistance, and significant loss of life and culture. The European theatre of World War II opened with the German invasion of Poland on Friday, September 1, 1939, swiftly followed by the Soviet invasion on September 17, 1939. This dual invasion, known as the "Invasion of Poland" or the "September Campaign", led to the quick defeat of the Polish Army after more than a month of fierce fighting. The invasion was a critical event that marked the beginning of widespread conflict in Europe. Under the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, a secret agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union, Poland was divided into two spheres of influence. The western and northern regions fell under German control, while the eastern part was occupied by the Soviets. This division had profound implications for the Polish people, as both occupying forces implemented brutal policies aimed at subjugation and exploitation. The German occupation was characterized by extreme brutality, with the establishment of ghettos in major cities where Jews were forced to live in squalid conditions. The most infamous of these was the Warsaw Ghetto, which eventually led to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1943, a desperate attempt by the Jewish population to resist deportation to extermination camps. The Holocaust, which saw the systematic murder of approximately six million Jews by Nazi Germany, had a significant impact on the Polish Jewish community, which was the largest in Europe. In addition to the Jewish population, non-Jewish Poles also suffered under German rule. The Nazis implemented policies of ethnic cleansing and genocide, seeking to remove or exterminate what they considered "inferior" peoples to make way for the Aryan master race. This included mass executions, forced labor, and the General Government where Poles were subjected to harsh living conditions and were often denied basic necessities. The Soviet occupation brought its own set of hardships. The Soviets engaged in mass deportations, executions, and the persecution of political and intellectual elites. The Katyn Massacre, where over 20,000 Polish officers and intellectuals were murdered by the Soviet secret police, is a stark example of this brutality. Despite these adversities, the Polish people did not surrender their spirit of resistance. The Polish resistance movement was one of the largest and most active in occupied Europe. It included both military operations against the occupiers and efforts to aid the Jewish population, such as the Zegota organization, which was dedicated to helping Jews escape the Holocaust. These organizations contributed significantly to the Allied effort throughout the war. The Polish government-in-exile, based in London, coordinated with the resistance and worked to raise international awareness of the plight of the Polish people. The Polish Armed Forces also fought alongside the Allies in various theatres of the war, including the Battle of Britain and the Italian Campaign. In conclusion, the Polish people endured a tragic period during World War II, marked by immense suffering and loss. However, their resilience and contributions to the Allied victory are a testament to their strength and the importance of remembering their experiences as a critical part of the history of the war. **read more >>

The European theatre of World War II opened with the German invasion of Poland on Friday September 1, 1939 and the Soviet invasion of Poland on September 17, 1939. The Polish Army was defeated after more than a month of fierce fighting. ... These organizations contributed to the Allied effort throughout the war.read more >>