The Union of Armed Struggle (ZWZ) was established on November 13, 1939, by order of Gen. Władysław Sikorski as the main underground organization in occupied Poland. ZWZ was formed to replace the Service for Poland's Victory and operated until its transformation into the Home Army in 1942. This organization became the foundation of the Polish Underground State during World War II.
Union of Armed Struggle (ZWZ) is one of the most important underground organizations in Polish history during World War II. It was established during difficult times of occupation when the Polish nation was looking for ways to fight against the German invader.
The creation of ZWZ was a crucial moment in organizing the Polish resistance movement. Its establishment had enormous significance for the later development of the Home Army and the entire Polish underground. The founding date of ZWZ is therefore an important point in 20th-century Polish history that is worth knowing and understanding in detail.
Historical Context of World War II
#World War II drastically changed the geopolitical situation in Europe. For Poland, the beginning of the conflict meant the loss of independence and the necessity to organize underground resistance structures.
Poland's Situation After the September Campaign
#The September Campaign of 1939 ended in Poland's defeat. The country was divided between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union under the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact. The western part of Poland was incorporated into the Third Reich or turned into the General Government. Eastern territories were incorporated into the USSR.
Consequences of the September Campaign:
- Loss of independence
- Mass arrests and executions of Polish intelligentsia
- Beginning of German and Soviet occupation
- Exodus of the government and part of the army to Romania, and then to France
Despite the military defeat, Poles did not cease fighting. They began organizing underground structures that were to continue resistance against the occupiers. In this historical context, the idea of creating the Union of Armed Struggle was born.
Formation of the Service for Poland's Victory
#The Service for Poland's Victory (SZP) was established on September 27, 1939, in besieged Warsaw. Gen. Michał Tokarzewski-Karaszewicz, on the orders of Gen. Juliusz Rómmel, organized this secret military organization. SZP constituted the first stage in the process of creating the Polish armed underground during World War II.
The main objectives of SZP included:
- Organizing resistance against the occupiers
- Maintaining the continuity of the Polish state
- Preparing structures for future armed struggle
SZP quickly developed its structures, creating a conspiratorial network in the occupied country. The organization operated for only three months but managed to create foundations for future underground structures.
General Tokarzewski-Karaszewicz became the Chief Commander of SZP, with Colonel Stefan Rowecki as his deputy. The organization was divided into divisions:
| Division | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Military | Preparation for armed struggle |
| Political | Coordination of actions with the government-in-exile |
| Civilian | Organization of social life under occupation |
SZP was the direct predecessor of the Union of Armed Struggle. Its structures and experiences were used in creating the ZWZ, ensuring continuity of the Polish resistance movement in the first months of occupation.
Formation of the Union of Armed Struggle
#The Union of Armed Struggle (ZWZ) was established on November 13, 1939, replacing the Service for Poland's Victory. The decision to create ZWZ was made by Gen. Władysław Sikorski, then Prime Minister of the Polish government-in-exile.
Date of ZWZ Formation
#ZWZ officially began operations on November 13, 1939. The organization was established by order of Gen. Władysław Sikorski, issued in Paris. This decision was a response to the need to consolidate the Polish resistance movement under unified command. ZWZ was meant to continue SZP's work while expanding its scope of activities and organizational structure.
Goals and Organizational Structure
#The main goals of ZWZ included:
- Organization and preparation of armed forces in the country to fight the occupier
- Conducting intelligence and counterintelligence activities
- Maintaining communication with the Polish government-in-exile
- Coordinating Polish underground activities
The organizational structure of ZWZ was based on territorial division:
| Level | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| Country | Main Command |
| Area | Area Command |
| District | District Command |
| Region | Regional Command |
The ZWZ was headed by the Chief Commander, appointed by the Commander-in-Chief. General Kazimierz Sosnkowski became the first Chief Commander. The organization quickly expanded its structures, creating a conspiratorial network covering the entire territory of pre-war Poland. ZWZ formed the foundation for the later Home Army (Armia Krajowa), ensuring continuity and professionalization of the Polish resistance movement during World War II.
Key Figures in ZWZ Formation
#Gen. Władysław Sikorski played a crucial role in establishing the Union of Armed Struggle. As Prime Minister of the Polish government-in-exile, he issued the order to create ZWZ on November 13, 1939. His decision aimed to consolidate the Polish resistance movement and create a unified conspiratorial structure.
Gen. Kazimierz Sosnkowski was appointed the first Chief Commander of ZWZ. His military and organizational experience contributed to the rapid development of the organization's structures. Sosnkowski supervised the creation of a conspiratorial network covering the territory of pre-war Poland.
Gen. Stefan Rowecki, codename "Grot", took command of ZWZ in June 1940. Under his leadership, the organization significantly expanded its activities. Rowecki introduced many innovative solutions in the field of conspiracy and underground coordination.
Col. Leopold Okulicki, codename "Niedźwiadek", served as ZWZ's Chief of Staff. His planning and organizational skills contributed to improving the organization's operational activities. Okulicki played a significant role in preparing the structures for future armed struggle.
Gen. Michał Tokarzewski-Karaszewicz, founder of the Service for Poland's Victory, made a significant contribution to the establishment of ZWZ. His experiences from SZP were utilized in creating the new organization, ensuring continuity of the Polish resistance movement.
| Figure | Role in ZWZ |
|---|---|
| Gen. Władysław Sikorski | Issued the order to establish ZWZ |
| Gen. Kazimierz Sosnkowski | First Chief Commander of ZWZ |
| Gen. Stefan Rowecki | Chief Commander of ZWZ from June 1940 |
| Col. Leopold Okulicki | Chief of Staff of ZWZ |
| Gen. Michał Tokarzewski-Karaszewicz | Creator of SZP, predecessor to ZWZ |
The activities of these key figures contributed to the rapid development of ZWZ and created the foundation for the later Home Army. Their experience, organizational skills, and determination enabled the effective functioning of the Polish underground under occupation conditions.
Activities of the Union of Armed Struggle
#The Union of Armed Struggle (ZWZ) conducted extensive underground activities throughout occupied Poland. The organization focused on building underground structures, preparing for armed combat, and conducting intelligence and sabotage operations.
Main Areas of Operation
#ZWZ concentrated on several key areas:
- Structure development: Creating a conspiracy network covering the entire territory of pre-war Poland.
- Intelligence and counterintelligence: Gathering information about occupier activities and protecting own structures.
- Sabotage and diversion: Conducting operations aimed at weakening the enemy's military and economic potential.
- Communications: Maintaining contact with the Polish government-in-exile and other underground organizations.
- Training: Preparing cadres for future armed combat.
ZWZ also conducted propaganda operations, publishing underground press and leaflets. The organization gathered weapons and ammunition, created secret warehouses, and organized assistance for the civilian population.
Significance of ZWZ for the Polish Resistance Movement
#ZWZ played a crucial role in shaping the Polish resistance movement:
- Professionalization: Introduction of military structures and procedures into underground activities.
- Consolidation: Integration of various underground groups and organizations under unified command.
- Continuity: Ensuring uninterrupted resistance activities from the beginning of occupation.
- AK Foundation: Creating the groundwork for the later Home Army.
- Intelligence: Providing valuable information to the Allies, contributing to successes in the fight against Germans.
ZWZ activities helped maintain the spirit of resistance among Poles and prepared the ground for the creation of one of the largest underground armies in occupied Europe. This organization became a symbol of Polish nation's indomitability in the face of occupation.
Transformation of ZWZ Into the Home Army
#The Union of Armed Struggle (ZWZ) transformed into the Home Army (AK) on February 14, 1942. The decision for this transformation was made by Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Władysław Sikorski. The name change reflected the organization's evolution and its growing importance in the Polish resistance movement.
Main reasons for transforming ZWZ into AK:
- Resistance movement consolidation: Unification of various underground organizations under single command.
- Structure strengthening: Formation of a uniform, stronger military organization.
- Efficiency improvement: Better coordination of actions and resource utilization.
- Symbolic significance: Emphasizing the continuity of Polish armed forces.
The transformation process included:
- Reorganization of command structures
- Integration of existing units
- Standardization of training system and military doctrine
- Expansion of communication and intelligence networks
Gen. Stefan Rowecki, the existing Chief Commander of ZWZ, took the position of the first AK commander. His experience and organizational skills contributed to the smooth implementation of the transformation process.
Effects of ZWZ transformation into AK:
| Aspect | Before transformation | After transformation |
|---|---|---|
| Membership | Approx. 100,000 members | Over 300,000 members in 1944 |
| Territorial reach | Most occupied territories | Entire pre-war Poland |
| Command structure | Dispersed | Centralized |
| International recognition | Limited | Significant |
The transformation of ZWZ into AK was a crucial moment in the history of the Polish resistance movement. The new structure enabled more effective fight against the occupier and preparations for the planned general uprising. AK, as the successor of ZWZ, became the largest and best-organized underground army in occupied Europe, playing a significant role in Allied operations on the Eastern Front.
Summary
#Summary
#The Union of Armed Struggle played a crucial role in organizing the Polish resistance movement during World War II. Established on November 13, 1939, it became the foundation for the future Home Army.
ZWZ effectively consolidated various underground groups creating a professional conspiratorial structure. Its activities included intelligence, counterintelligence, and sabotage operations against the occupiers.
The transformation of ZWZ into the Home Army on February 14, 1942, was a natural evolution of the organization. The Home Army became the largest underground army in occupied Europe, continuing the fight for Poland's independence.