The German invasion of Poland (sep 1, 1939 – may 8, 1945)

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World War II began on September 1, 1939, when Nazi Germany invaded Poland as part of its aggressive expansionist plans to violate the Treaty of Versailles and claim Lebensraum. Germany quickly overran Polish lines with Blitzkrieg tactics, and on September 17, the Soviet Union invaded from the east in accordance with the terms of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, making matters worse. Following the division and occupation of Poland as a result of this double invasion, Britain and France declared war on Germany. The Blitzkrieg's swift conquest of Poland demonstrated its potency, paving the way for additional German conquests throughout Europe and igniting a harsh period of occupation for the Polish people.