How Did Poland Influence The 20th Century

Arin Spanner, Amanda Scandalios, Kelsey Tonsfeldt, Kailen Kershner

Ms. Green-Heffern

Western Civ, Period 4

May 19, 2014

Poland’s Influence in the 20th Century

Throughout Poland’s existence it has remained a critical nation in terms of shaping the Western world. In 1919, Poland was established as an independent state in the Treaty of Versailles: a contract collaborated on by world powers after the devastation of World War I. Even after receiving severe reparations after their actions in World War I, Germany pushed the boundaries of the treaty by invading both the Rhineland and Sudetenland in 1936. Because they were not punished for these violations, Hitler came to believe the English and French would give him much leeway in order to avoid another World War. However, this passive style resulted in Germany’s invasion of Poland, and subsequently the end of Poland’s independent government (“Germany’s Invasion on Poland”). Even without control of their government for a majority of its existence in the twentieth century, Poland has remained a highly influential country which sparked Western movement against Communism, maintained a crucial role in foreign affairs, and thus has achieved independence, which allows it to remain both economically and politically strong today.

On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland (“Germany Invades Poland”). In doing so, the Germans specifically disobeyed the Treaty of Versailles. The Nazis believed that the French and British were bluffing when they said they would declare war if Germany invaded. (“Germany Invades Poland”). German forces invaded Poland from the north, south and west, forcing the Poles to retreat to the east (“Germany’s Three-Sided Advance on Poland”). However the French and British k...

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...a law-making superpower through partnerships and influence in the European Union.

From Poland’s invasion sparking World War II, to maintaining a major impact in modern day politics and foreign affairs, Poland remained an influential country throughout the 20th century. In World War II, Poland heavily resisted the Nazis in addition to providing substantial aid to the persecuted Jews. Through the Solidarity movement, Poland served as a trailblazer to other nations which similarly looked to escape Communism and give more rights to its citizens. Currently, Poland’s export economy is an integral part of Germany’s auto industry, and the Poles are a strong policy leader in the European Union. All together, Poland’s consistent impact on world affairs has allowed it to remain an influential superpower throughout the 20th century, and moving forward in the 21st century.