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A HOMELAND DEFENDED WITH BLOOD

Poland's fight in World War II was marked by bravery, sacrifice, and determination in the face of simultaneous invasions and brutal occupation. The Polish resistance remained active throughout the conflict, making significant contributions to the Allied war effort. However, the consequences were devastating for the nation, which emerged from the war under strong Soviet influence and suffered incalculable human and material losses. Poland’s history during this period remains a symbol of courage against totalitarian regimes and a stark reminder of the immense human cost of war.

The Beginning of the War:
World War II officially began on September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. Two days later, the United Kingdom and France declared war on Germany.

Soviet Offensive:
On September 17, 1939, the Soviet Union invaded Poland from the east, fulfilling the terms of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (signed in August 1939), which outlined the division of territories in Eastern Europe.

Rapid Defeat:
Despite valiant resistance, Poland was overwhelmed by Germany's Blitzkrieg (lightning war) strategy and the simultaneous Soviet invasion. Within about five weeks, the country was divided and occupied by two totalitarian powers.

Even under occupation, Poland maintained one of the largest resistance movements in all of occupied Europe. The Armia Krajowa (AK) was the main force, subordinate to the Polish Government-in-Exile (initially established in Paris and later in London).

Sabotage Activities:
The resistance carried out intelligence operations, sabotaged German infrastructure, protected Jews (e.g., through the underground organization Żegota), and launched targeted attacks against occupying forces.

Poland was gradually "liberated" from Nazi rule by the Red Army (Soviet Union) starting in 1944. However, by the end of the conflict, the country fell under Soviet influence, with a communist regime aligned with Moscow established.

Human and Material Losses:
Poland was one of the countries that suffered the most during the war. It is estimated that around 6 million Polish citizens (including approximately 3 million Polish Jews) were killed. Cities, including Warsaw, were left in ruins.

Territorial Changes:
After the war, Poland’s borders were redrawn. Eastern territories were annexed by the Soviet Union, while Poland was granted areas in the west that had previously belonged to Germany.

In this video on the Viagem na História channel, we narrate a crucial part of Poland's military history, filled with little-known facts that span from the war room in exile to the battles fought by Polish soldiers across various fronts. A true and heroic story!

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