On September 1, 1939, at 4:45 AM, German forces attacked Poland, initiating World War II. The attack began with the bombardment of Westerplatte by the battleship Schleswig-Holstein and air raids on Polish cities. The September Campaign lasted 35 days and ended in Poland's defeat, despite Polish soldiers' heroic defense against overwhelming German forces.

The German Attack on Poland, also known as the September Campaign, is one of the most significant events in Polish history and the beginning of World War II. This brutal clash, which began on September 1, 1939, forever changed the course of European history.

Germany, under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, planned the invasion of Poland as part of its expansionist policy. This attack was the culmination of growing tensions between both countries and served as the direct cause for Great Britain and France to declare war on Germany. This event initiated a conflict that would eventually encompass the entire world.

The 1930s in Europe were characterized by growing political and military tension. This period served as a prelude to the largest conflict in human history.

Europe in the late 1930s was in a state of deep crisis. The Treaty of Versailles from 1919, intended to ensure peace after World War I, proved insufficient. Germany, under Nazi rule, pursued an aggressive expansion policy. In 1938, they carried out the Anschluss of Austria and subsequently occupied the Czechoslovak Sudetenland. Great Britain and France, seeking to avoid war, pursued a policy of appeasement, which ultimately proved ineffective.

Relations between Poland and Germany in the 1930s systematically deteriorated. Hitler made demands towards Poland, including:

• The incorporation of the Free City of Danzig into the Reich
• An extraterritorial highway through Pomerania
• Poland's accession to the Anti-Comintern Pact

Poland consistently rejected these demands, leading to escalating tensions. On April 28, 1939, Hitler denounced the Polish-German non-aggression pact of 1934. On August 23, 1939, Germany and the USSR signed the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, containing a secret protocol on the division of Central and Eastern Europe. This situation directly preceded Germany's attack on Poland on September 1, 1939.

On September 1, 1939, at 4:45 AM, Germany began its invasion of Poland. This day went down in history as the beginning of World War II and the start of an extremely difficult period for Poland and its inhabitants.

The attack on Westerplatte marked the symbolic beginning of the war. At 4:45, the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opened fire on the Polish Military Transit Depot. 182 Polish soldiers under the command of Major Henryk Sucharski mounted a heroic resistance for 7 days, despite overwhelming enemy forces. The defense of Westerplatte became a symbol of Polish resistance and patriotism.

Simultaneously with the attack on Westerplatte, German aircraft began massive bombardments of Polish cities. The Luftwaffe attacked:

• Wieluń: the first city bombed at 4:40 AM, destroyed in 75%
• Warsaw: Poland's capital experienced heavy air raids from early morning hours
• Kraków: air attacks on the airport and military infrastructure
• Łódź: bombardment of industrial and civilian facilities
• Poznań: raids on strategic military and communication targets

The bombardments aimed to destroy Polish infrastructure, demoralize the civilian population, and paralyze the country's defense. These attacks caused significant civilian casualties and led to enormous material destruction in Polish cities.

The September Campaign was characterized by the lightning pace of the German offensive and heroic, though ineffective, resistance of the Polish armed forces. The invasion of Poland lasted 35 days, from September 1 to October 5, 1939.

The German strategy was based on the concept of Blitzkrieg (lightning war). The invasion forces numbered 1.8 million soldiers, 2,800 tanks, and 2,000 aircraft. Germans employed deep penetration tactics, utilizing their advantage in mobility and firepower. Armored columns, supported by air forces, quickly broke through Polish defense lines. The Luftwaffe dominated the airspace, destroying Polish airfields, communication lines, and bombing cities. On September 17, 1939, the Soviet Union attacked Poland from the east, implementing the arrangements of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact.

The Polish armed forces, numbering about 950,000 soldiers, 880 tanks, and 400 aircraft, put up fierce resistance. The heroic defense of Westerplatte lasted 7 days, much longer than planned. The Battle of Bzura (September 9-22) was the largest battle of the campaign, where Poles counterattacked, inflicting significant losses on the Germans. The defense of Warsaw lasted until September 28, demonstrating the determination of Polish defenders. Despite the heroism of Polish soldiers, the technical and numerical superiority of the enemy proved decisive. The last organized resistance ended on October 5 with the capitulation of the Independent Operational Group "Polesie" under the command of Gen. Franciszek Kleeberg.

Germany's attack on Poland on September 1, 1939, had far-reaching effects, changing the course of European and world history. This invasion initiated a series of events that forever changed the geopolitical landscape of the continent.

The international reaction to Germany's attack on Poland was immediate and decisive. On September 3, 1939, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany, fulfilling their alliance commitments to Poland. Neutral countries, such as the United States, condemned German aggression, although they initially did not join the conflict. The League of Nations, the international organization at the time, proved powerless in preventing the escalation of the conflict. The international reaction to Germany's attack on Poland led to the diplomatic isolation of the Third Reich and strengthened anti-Nazi alliances.

The German attack on Poland on September 1, 1939, officially started World War II. The conflict quickly spread to other European countries and later encompassed almost the entire world. The invasion of Poland became the catalyst for a global conflict that lasted until 1945. World War II brought:

• Death of over 60 million people
• Destruction of vast areas of Europe and Asia
• Collapse of old empires and emergence of new superpowers
• Development of new military technologies, including atomic weapons
• Fundamental changes in the world's geopolitical order

The attack on Poland initiated a period of terror, occupation, and mass crimes that forever changed the face of Europe and the world.

September 1, 1939, is a date that will forever be inscribed in the history of Poland and Europe. This day symbolizes the beginning of World War II and is annually commemorated as an important historical event.

September 1st commemorations in Poland are state events held throughout the country. The main ceremonies take place at Westerplatte in Gdańsk, where the German attack began. The President of Poland, along with representatives of the government, parliament, and armed forces, lay wreaths at the Defenders of the Coast Monument. In Warsaw, ceremonies are held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Schools organize assemblies and history lessons dedicated to the September Campaign. Museums and cultural institutions prepare special exhibitions and educational events. Many cities organize historical reenactments, concerts, and memorial marches.

September 1, 1939, has fundamental importance in European history. This date:

1. Symbolizes the beginning of World War II, the largest conflict in human history
2. Marks the end of the order established after World War I
3. Begins a period of dramatic geopolitical changes in Europe
4. Becomes a turning point in the development of military technology and strategy
5. Initiates a process that led to the division of Europe into Eastern and Western blocs

This date serves as a reminder of the necessity to maintain peace and cooperation between nations. It is a symbol warning against totalitarianism and aggressive politics. On a European scale, the anniversary of September 1st became an impulse for integration and building common security structures, such as NATO and the European Union. Commemorating this date serves to educate young generations about the tragic consequences of war and the value of peaceful coexistence between nations.

• The German attack on Poland began on September 1, 1939, at 4:45 AM, which is considered the beginning of World War II.
• The bombing of Westerplatte and Polish cities, including Wielun, Warsaw, and Krakow, was the first stage of the German invasion.
• The September Campaign lasted 35 days and was characterized by Germany's use of Blitzkrieg tactics and the heroic resistance of Polish armed forces.
• The attack on Poland met with international reaction, including declarations of war on Germany by Great Britain and France.
• The consequences of the attack included the global spread of the conflict, enormous human and material losses, and fundamental changes in the world's geopolitical order.
• September 1st is commemorated annually in Poland and Europe as a symbol of the beginning of World War II and a warning against the effects of totalitarianism.

The German attack on Poland on September 1, 1939, was a turning point in world history. This event not only started World War II but also forever changed the fate of millions of people.

The September Campaign demonstrated the heroism of Polish soldiers in the face of overwhelming enemy forces. Although Poland was defeated, its resistance became a symbol of the fight for freedom.

September 1st remains deeply rooted in national and international consciousness. Annual commemorations serve as a reminder of the tragic consequences of war and the need to maintain peace between nations.