Russo-Polish War (feb 14, 1919 – mar 18, 1921)

Description:

- Independent Poland 're-created' in post war peace settlements. New Poland contained territory lost by former Tsarist Empire.
- Polish head of State, Pilsudski wanted to extend Polish borders into East into Belarus and West Ukraine.
- Lenin and Bolsheviks saw Poland as a bridge to the West and therefore a key route for exporting revolution to Germany and western Europe.
- 1918-19 Polish forces fought war against Ukrainian nationalists which led to conflicts with the Red Army
- April 1920 - Pilsudski made alliance with a new Ukrainian military leader. Made common cause against Bolsheviks and launched Eastern offensive towards Kiev
- Kiev occupied in May 1920. if this happened in 1919 when the Bolsheviks were on defensive on many fronts in Civil War, there might have been a major impact. But by 1920 Bolsheviks had achieved many victories against white Russian armies
- Red launched powerful counter attack meaning Polish forces abandoned Kiev and retreated to Warsaw.
- The protection of Warsaw successful
- peace terms agreed in Treaty of Riga.

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