When it comes to World War 2, the role of Poland often gets caught in footnotes. The real history of Poland’s involvement and contribution to the dramatic events and ongoing struggles of World War 2 is vastly underestimated. Poland was an important participant from the early stages of the conflict and endured extreme hardships and suffering throughout its course.
One of the main reasons for Poland’s involvement in the war was its strategic geopolitical location. It lay on the eastern border of the German Reich, and its conquest and occupation was something Hitler and Nazi ideologists had been dreaming of for years. And so, the war broke out on September 1st, 1939, when Nazis Germany invaded Poland.
Despite the quick, unevenly matched German aggression, the Polish army managed to organize enough resistance to slow down the German forces for some time. Although the invasion was finally brought to an end on October 6th, the Poles’ heroic stand gave them the recognition of other Allied forces, which declared war on Germany shortly after the invasion.
The resistance of the Polish Army did not end with that battle against the invading Wehrmacht. The Polish forces played a prominent role in campaigns on the Western and Southwestern fronts. They actively aided the British and French forces in the Battle of Dunkirk, and later, in the Battle of Britain, Polish pilots formed the famous ‘303 Squadron’. The squadron is widely recognized for its exemplary record, with the highest victories to losses ratio in the whole RAF.
When the conflict shifted to the Soviet Union, the Polish government in exile cooperated with the Allies efforts to supply the Red Army with weapons and supplies. Additionally, many Poles volunteered to fight against the Nazis in the Soviet forces. Polish communes also played an active role in the resistance against the occupiers. The Polish underground government trained and provided support to resistance mouvements throughout continental Europe.
Poland’s contribution to the Allied cause was recognized with the country’s 1957 admission to the United Nations. It remains an important reminder of the vital role it played in the grand, yet tragic advance of the Allied forces.
Rebuilding the Nation
When World War 2 finally ended in 1945, Poland found itself in a dire state. Aside from the great human toll, the country was in ruins. Poland had endured five years of German occupation, and after Soviet rule was established in the postwar period, the poverty of the nation and its people was tremendous.
The new government was quick to establish the rebuilding program. The government adopted a social-market economy and started the process of reconstruction and development of the miserable economic conditions. The plan of action was divided into two main objectives: growth of production and income, and a rise in social welfare.
The rebuilding programme was successful, and despite the diffculties, ten years after the war, the country’s income was considerably greater and the living standards of the population had increased significantly. As the prime minister of Poland, Cyrankiewicz, mentioned “We are on the verge of creating a new and prosperous Poland in a Europe united and at peace.”
Next, the new government quickly moved to rebuild the country’s cultural and educational structures. Culturally, the new government followed the Soviet model of national culture and life. It focused on rebuilding ruined monuments, restoring artistic works, supporting national culture and encouraging the development of the country’s universities and educational institutions.
This powerful national rebuilding program allowed Poland to restore its national pride and give its citizens a new hope for the future. And although Poland is still struggling with many legacy effects of the war, both physically and emotionally, strong developments have been made in recent decades and Poland has become a symbol of rebuilding and renewal.
Memory and Legacy
Polish citizens remember WW2 and the toll it took on their country in a multitude of ways. From public monuments and memorials, traditional remembrances such as vigils and commemorative services, artistic works, writings, books, films, and documentaries, Poland has kept alive its sense of loss and promised defeat.
For on a national level, Poland commemorates annually, the most significant events of WW2, from the Nazi invasion and the Warsaw Uprising, to emancipation. Monuments, exhibitions, and other social events serve as reminders of the heroes who gave their lives and the devastating effects that war had on the people, the land, the cities, and the country.
Commemorative days, such as the “ Warsaw Night”, are widely celebrated in Poland as a moment of remembrance, honouring the soldiers who fought against fascism and those who suffered and perished during the conflict. These days include street performances and military parades, in which people clad in traditional Polish uniforms take part.
On an individual level, personal artifacts, photographs, and family stories serve as tangible reminders of the horrors of the war and how it continues to effect the lives of Polish citizens. Even today, many Poles bear emotional scars of war, both on a physical and mental level, and it is only through the continuous remembrance and commemoration that these memories will eventually fade away.
The Enduring Strength of Poland
While it is true that the horrors of WW2 have continued to darken the memory of Poland in the decades since, Polish citizens have proven remarkable in their strength and tenacity in the face of such extreme hardship. Despite the harshness of the German occupation, the loss of family, homes, historical sites, and a decrease in living standards, Polish citizens exhibited a lasting spirit and resilience in the face of such blows.
One example of such tenacity was the Home Army, or ‘Armia Krajowa’, which was an underground Polish organization created during the Nazi occupation to fight against their enemy and aid the Allied forces in their war effort. This emboldened organization existed for the duration of the war and was active in numerous key missions and battles. Even when the enemy’s position was too strong to battle against, the Home Army provided invaluable intelligence and support to the Allied forces.
The Home Army, which at its peak, had around 400,000 members, was a beacon of courage and perseverance for the Polish people and also a great source of national pride. The deaths of many brave Home Army soldiers in the name of resistance and freedom further immortalized their story.
Continued Support for Poland
Poland’s story after the war has been a rocky one, to say the least. Although it regained its independence, its still faced immense hardship and struggles for decades. Fortunately, since the fall of Communism in 1989, the country has seen increased EU member support, both economically and politically, in its efforts to maintain a stable economy and government.
The European Union has provided considerable financial support to Poland, which has helped the country in developing and realizing multiple infrastructure and other major projects. This financial support from the EU, coupled with the country’s smart economic policies, have allowed Poland to undergo a general improvement in its living standards in the years since.
The EU’s continued humanitarian and financial aid to Poland serves as a reminder of its commitment to supporting the nation in its rebuilding efforts after the war. This important support should not be overlooked, as it has given the nation and its people a new sense of hope and purpose.
Today’s Poland
Though the specter of WW2 still lingers on, Poland has seen much progress and development in recent times. It is now a Member of the European Union, and its citizens enjoy a higher standard of living than they did during the war years. Its cities are modern and vibrant, its infrastructure has improved drastically, and its citizens have a new sense of pride, purpose, and opportunity.
Although the ravages of war still remain, the people of Poland have proven that they can persevere through hardship and emerge stronger. Even today, Poles take pride in the country’s strength and tenacity in the face of disaster. As testament to Poland’s centuries of resilience, WW2 and its aftermath should be remembered as a somber reminder of the power of hope and the enduring strength of the Polish people.
