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The Fighting Republic of Poland 1939-1945
World War II changed the course of history. Started by the Germans with the complicity of the Soviet Union, it led to unimaginable destruction and millions of deaths. Later, it brought many nations under Soviet domination for almost fifty years and left the world
divided in the Cold War.
Poland fell victim to the aggression of both totalitarian systems, German national socialism and Soviet communism. The Ribbentrop-Molotov pact entered into by the Third Reich and Soviet Union on 23 August 1939 was the prelude to a global conflict, started
on 1 September 1939 when Hitler invaded Poland, the first country to demonstrate actual armed resistance against the aggressor, ending the string of Berlin’s peaceful conquests. Seventeen days later, on 17 September 1939, attacked from the east, Poland had
to confront yet another aggressor, the Soviet Union.
Crushed in a death grip, she never surrendered. She did not capitulate, or become a quisling state. From the start to the end
of military conflict of 1939–1945, the Republic of Poland was firmly in the Allied camp.
What are Europe’s memories of World War II? Can this course of events be forgotten or distorted? Is it obvious today who was the victim and who the oppressor?
This publication, issued by the Institute of National Remembrance, recalls the outcomes of these days. If it is true that historia magistra vitae est, – history is life’s teacher – educating future generations and building national identity cannot be based on lies and oblivion. Such policy can only bring a new evil. Truth is the only way to build a peaceful future in Europe.
The best way to understand a country is to learn about its history. I hope that this compendium on the Republic of Poland during World War II – appearing in seven languages – will serve that purpose.
The Europeans should show mutual respect and understanding for their history. I wish to thank the author and those behind this project for preparing this publication which is so greatly needed today.
We recommend “The Fighting Republic of Poland 1939–1945” publication available to download from the IPN’s website.
A link to a free PDF of EBook is made available on the website of Polands Institute of National Remembrance:
divided in the Cold War.
Poland fell victim to the aggression of both totalitarian systems, German national socialism and Soviet communism. The Ribbentrop-Molotov pact entered into by the Third Reich and Soviet Union on 23 August 1939 was the prelude to a global conflict, started
on 1 September 1939 when Hitler invaded Poland, the first country to demonstrate actual armed resistance against the aggressor, ending the string of Berlin’s peaceful conquests. Seventeen days later, on 17 September 1939, attacked from the east, Poland had
to confront yet another aggressor, the Soviet Union.
Crushed in a death grip, she never surrendered. She did not capitulate, or become a quisling state. From the start to the end
of military conflict of 1939–1945, the Republic of Poland was firmly in the Allied camp.
What are Europe’s memories of World War II? Can this course of events be forgotten or distorted? Is it obvious today who was the victim and who the oppressor?
This publication, issued by the Institute of National Remembrance, recalls the outcomes of these days. If it is true that historia magistra vitae est, – history is life’s teacher – educating future generations and building national identity cannot be based on lies and oblivion. Such policy can only bring a new evil. Truth is the only way to build a peaceful future in Europe.
The best way to understand a country is to learn about its history. I hope that this compendium on the Republic of Poland during World War II – appearing in seven languages – will serve that purpose.
The Europeans should show mutual respect and understanding for their history. I wish to thank the author and those behind this project for preparing this publication which is so greatly needed today.
We recommend “The Fighting Republic of Poland 1939–1945” publication available to download from the IPN’s website.
A link to a free PDF of EBook is made available on the website of Polands Institute of National Remembrance:
146 pages, ebook
First published September 2, 2019
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 6, 2025
Zoals te verwachten valt van een boek over Polen geschreven door een Pool was het zeer nationalistisch. De auteur deed weinig moeite zijn (weliswaar terechte) haat voor de USSR opzij te zetten en plaatste de Poolse soldaten, verzetstrijders,... altijd centraal.
Voor de rest zeker geen slecht inleidingswerk maar er zijn absoluut betere alternatieven beschikbaar
Voor de rest zeker geen slecht inleidingswerk maar er zijn absoluut betere alternatieven beschikbaar
July 14, 2021
A good book if you are unfamiliar with the history of Poland during WW2.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews