why germany attacked poland in 1939

Germany attacked Poland on September 1, 1939, marking the beginning of World War II. Several key reasons contributed to this aggressive action:

**Expansionist Policies**: Adolf Hitler aimed to expand German territory to create "Lebensraum" (living space) for the German people. He believed that Germany needed more land for its growing population and to assert itself as a dominant power in Europe.

**Revision of the Treaty of Versailles**: The Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, imposed severe restrictions and territorial losses on Germany. Many Germans felt humiliated by the treaty, and Hitler's regime sought to overturn its provisions and restore Germany's former territories, including parts of Poland.

**Anti-Polish Sentiment**: Hitler's government promoted a narrative that portrayed Poland as a lesser nation, and there were longstanding grievances, particularly concerning the status of the Free City of Danzig (Gdańsk) and the Polish Corridor, which separated East Prussia from the rest of Germany.

**Military Strategy**: Germany had been preparing for war, building up its military capabilities. The successful annexation of Austria (Anschluss) and the occupation of Czechoslovakia had emboldened Hitler and showcased the effectiveness of blitzkrieg tactics. A quick invasion of Poland was seen as a way to demonstrate military strength and further intimidate other nations.

**Non-Aggression Pact with the Soviet Union**: Just days before the invasion, Germany signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with the Soviet Union. This agreement not only ensured that the Soviets would not intervene in the attack on Poland but also divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, allowing for the mutual interests of both powers.

The invasion of Poland prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939, formally starting World War II.