Hitler’s Expansionist Policy (Invasion of Poland)

Invasion of Poland (1 Sept 1939)

• Trigger for World War II.
• Since 1937, Hitler had demanded the ‘Free City’ of Danzig to be part of Germany – Danzig was a port city with most of its population German.
• Hitler also wanted a railroad to be built across the Polish Corridor to reconnect Germany with East Prussia, which was considered part of Germany.
• However, Polish leaders distrusted Hitler and feared loss of Poland’s independence.
• Tensions increased between Poland and Germany and negotiations broke down.
• 29 August 1939: Hitler again demanded Danzig and Polish Corridor
• Britain and France knew Hitler could not be trusted but still willing to negotiate with Hitler regarding Danzig.
• This move mistakenly convinced Hitler that they would not declare war on Germany.
• When negotiations did not go as he had hoped, Hitler invaded Poland on 1 September.
• Britain and France declared war on Germany on 3 Sept 1939.