--- title: Map of the German Invasion of Poland in 1939 author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/21316/map-of-the-german-invasion-of-poland-in-1939/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2025-11-17 --- # Map of the German Invasion of Poland in 1939 _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of the German Invasion of Poland in 1939](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21316.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/21316.png) ## Image Caption A map of the German [invasion of Poland in 1939](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2559/the-invasion-of-poland-in-1939/) which marked the beginning of the Second World [War](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/War/) (1939–1945). The campaign demonstrated the devastating effectiveness of *[Blitzkrieg](https://www.worldhistory.org/Blitzkrieg/)*, a new form of fast, coordinated [warfare](https://www.worldhistory.org/warfare/) combining armor, infantry, and air power. Launched under Operation *Fall Weiss*, German forces struck without a formal declaration of war on 1 September 1939, attacking from East Prussia and Pomerania in the north, Silesia and Slovakia in the south, and Brandenburg in the west. The Luftwaffe’s bombardments crippled Polish infrastructure, while rapid mechanized advances encircled key defensive positions. Despite courageous resistance, including counterattacks along the Bzura River (9–11 September), Polish forces were outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and overwhelmed by superior firepower and mobility. The invasion’s turning point came on 17 September, when the Soviet Union invaded from the east, acting under the terms of the [Nazi-Soviet Pact](https://www.worldhistory.org/Nazi-Soviet_Pact/) (August 1939). Facing attack from both sides, the Polish state collapsed within weeks; Warsaw surrendered on 27 September, and the last organized resistance ended on 6 October. The partition of Poland between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union erased its independence once again and exposed the geopolitical cynicism of [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/)’s totalitarian powers. The campaign’s rapid conclusion shocked the world, revealing how outdated defensive strategies could not withstand modern mechanized warfare, an ominous prelude to the global conflict that would follow. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2025, November 17). Map of the German Invasion of Poland in 1939. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the German Invasion of Poland in 1939." *World History Encyclopedia*, November 17, 2025. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the German Invasion of Poland in 1939." *World History Encyclopedia*, 17 Nov 2025, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 17 November 2025. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.