The Polish Underground State was established on September 27, 1939, as a secret administrative and military structure in response to the German and Soviet occupation of Poland. It was a unique phenomenon in Europe, encompassing both civilian and military structures that operated in conspiracy throughout World War II.
The Polish Underground State is a phenomenon in World War II history that continues to fascinate researchers and history enthusiasts to this day. This secret administrative and military structure was created in response to German and Soviet occupation, becoming a symbol of Polish national resistance and resilience.
Although the official date of the Polish Underground State's establishment is not clearly defined, its roots trace back to the first days of September 1939. As the invasion progressed, underground structures began to form, eventually developing into an extensive network of civilian and military organizations operating in secrecy from the occupiers.
Origins of the Polish Underground State
#The Polish Underground State emerged from the need to maintain Polish state continuity in the face of German and Soviet occupation. Its roots date back to the first days of September 1939, when Poland faced military defeat.
Poland's Situation After the Outbreak of World War II
#On September 1, 1939, Germany attacked Poland, beginning World War II. On September 17, the Soviet Union joined, implementing the secret protocol of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact. The consequences of the aggression:
- Occupation: Polish territory was divided between the aggressors
- Government-in-exile: State authorities evacuated to Romania, and later to France and Great Britain
- Repressions: Mass arrests, executions, and deportations of civilians
- Destruction: Bombing of cities and infrastructure
The occupiers sought to completely destroy Polish statehood and national identity.
First Underground Structures
#Even during the September campaign, the beginnings of resistance movement emerged:
- September 27, 1939: Creation of the Service for Poland's Victory by Gen. Michał Karaszewicz-Tokarzewski
- November 13, 1939: Formation of the Union of Armed Struggle, later transformed into the Home Army
- December 1939: Establishment of the Government Delegation for Poland
The underground structures included:
- Military division: Organization of intelligence and sabotage networks
- Civilian division: Secret teaching, underground press, judiciary
- Political parties: Underground activities, development of post-war reconstruction programs
The rapid formation of underground structures demonstrated Poles' determination to fight for independence. These organizations became the foundation for the extensive system of the Polish Underground State.
Official Establishment of the Polish Underground State
#The official establishment of the Polish Underground State took place on September 27, 1939. This date is considered the formal creation of conspiratorial structures that developed into an extensive system of underground administration and military.
Key Dates and Events
#On September 27, 1939, the Service for Poland's Victory (SZP) was established as the first underground organization. On November 13, 1939, the Union of Armed Struggle (ZWZ) was created, which transformed into the Home Army (AK) on February 14, 1942. On December 3, 1940, the Government Delegation for Poland was established, representing civilian authorities. On December 4, 1942, Jan Karski delivered a report to the Allies about the situation in occupied Poland, contributing to international recognition of the Polish Underground State.
The Role of General Stefan Rowecki "Grot"
#General Stefan Rowecki "Grot" played a crucial role in shaping the Polish Underground State. Appointed Commander-in-Chief of ZWZ on June 30, 1940, and later of AK. He organized underground army structures, coordinated sabotage and intelligence operations. He developed the concept of a general uprising against the occupiers. Arrested on June 30, 1943, by the Gestapo, his capture was a serious blow to the structures of the Polish Underground State.
Structures and Organization of PUS
#The Polish Underground State (PUS) had a complex structure, encompassing both civilian and military bodies. This organization represented a unique example of underground state administration in occupied Europe.
Government Delegation for Poland
#The Government Delegation for Poland was the civilian arm of the Polish Underground State, representing the Polish government-in-exile. It served as an underground administration, managing internal affairs of the occupied country. The Delegation's structure included departments corresponding to ministries, such as:
- Department of Internal Affairs
- Department of Information and Press
- Department of Education and Culture
- Department of Labor and Social Welfare
The Delegation was led by the Government Delegate, who served as the underground prime minister. The Delegation coordinated civilian resistance activities, maintained communication with the government in London, and prepared plans for state reconstruction after the occupation.
Home Army
#The Home Army (AK) was the armed wing of the Polish Underground State, being the largest underground military organization in occupied Europe. The AK structure included:
- General Command
- Areas and Districts
- Inspectorates
- Regions
- Posts
The AK conducted operations in:
- Intelligence
- Diversion
- Sabotage
- Propaganda
The Home Army prepared for a general uprising meant to liberate the country from occupation. Its activities included small sabotage actions, assassinations of German officials, and protection of civilians. The AK worked closely with the Government Delegation, creating a cohesive underground state system.
Activities of the Polish Underground State
#The Polish Underground State conducted extensive activities including armed combat, sabotage, secret education, and culture. These diverse forms of resistance aimed to maintain national spirit and weaken the occupying forces.
Armed Combat and Sabotage
#The Home Army, the main armed force of the Polish Underground State, conducted active operations against the occupiers. It carried out over 110,000 armed and sabotage actions, including:
- Blowing up bridges and railway lines
- Attacks on German posts and convoys
- Elimination of collaborators and Gestapo officials
- Prisoner liberation operations
The most famous AK operations:
| Operation Name | Date | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal Action | March 26, 1943 | Liberation of 25 prisoners being transported from Gestapo headquarters |
| Assassination of Franz Kutschera | February 1, 1944 | Elimination of SS and police commander in Warsaw |
| Operation "Wreath" | October 7-8, 1942 | Paralyzing German rail transport around Warsaw |
The Home Army also conducted intelligence operations, providing the Allies with valuable information about German troop movements and secret weapons such as V-1 and V-2 rockets.
Secret Education And Culture
#The Polish Underground State organized an extensive system of secret education, including:
- Study Groups - secret lessons in private homes
- Underground universities, including the University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University
- Secret vocational and technical courses
In the 1943/1944 school year, secret education participants included:
| Education Level | Number of Students |
|---|---|
| Primary Schools | 1,000,000 |
| Secondary Schools | 100,000 |
| Higher Education | 10,000 |
Cultural activities included:
- Publishing underground press (approximately 1,500 titles)
- Organizing secret concerts and theater performances
- Creating literature and art dedicated to the fight against the occupier
The Home Army's Information and Propaganda Bureau published the "Information Bulletin" newspaper with a circulation of 43,000 copies, making it the largest underground periodical in Europe.
Significance of the Polish Underground State
#The Polish Underground State played a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of Polish statehood during World War II. Its significance extended beyond military operations, encompassing social, cultural, and political aspects.
Impact On Occupied Poland
#The Polish Underground State had a significant impact on occupied Poland's fate. It organized resistance against the occupiers, maintained public morale, and protected Polish national identity. The PUS conducted:
- Sabotage operations weakening the German war machine
- Secret education, covering over 1 million students
- Underground cultural activities, including press publishing and artistic events
- Humanitarian aid for persecuted groups, including Jews
- Intelligence and counterintelligence, providing valuable information to the Allies
These activities contributed to the survival of the Polish nation under occupation and prepared the ground for state reconstruction after the war.
Legacy of the PUS in Post-War Poland
#The legacy of the Polish Underground State had a lasting impact on post-war Poland:
- A model of patriotism and resistance against totalitarianism
- Preservation of state institutions' continuity and independence traditions
- Inspiration for later opposition movements, e.g., Solidarity
- Cultivation of resistance movement heroes' memory
- Influence on shaping national identity of subsequent generations
The PUS became a symbol of Polish nation's indomitability and its pursuit of freedom. Its experiences and organizational structures provided valuable capital during the political transformation after 1989.
Summary
#The Polish Underground State is a phenomenon in World War II history. Its establishment in September 1939 was a response to German and Soviet occupation. The extensive structure encompassing both civilian and military branches enabled effective resistance against the occupier.
The PUS conducted wide-ranging activities from armed operations to secret education. Its impact on maintaining national identity and society's morale was invaluable. The legacy of the Polish Underground State continues to inspire and shape Polish national identity today.
The PUS phenomenon remains a symbol of the Polish nation's indomitability and its pursuit of freedom in the most difficult times.