The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked a crucial turning point in European history, starting the widespread conflict known as World War II. Following a series of territorial expansions in Europe, Adolf Hitler's Germany sought to assert dominance through military aggression. The invasion utilized the Blitzkrieg tactic, characterized by rapid troop movements, coordinated attacks by air and ground forces, and an overwhelming show of force, leading to disarray in Polish defenses. Notably, this invasion was preceded by the non-aggression pact signed between Germany and the Soviet Union, dividing Eastern Europe between them, which allowed for the subsequent invasion without fear of Soviet intervention.Slovakia, which had recently gained independence and aligned with Germany, contributed auxiliary troops to support the German campaign. The Polish military, though brave and committed, was unprepared for the scale and ferocity of the German invasion. Cities like Warsaw were bombed extensively, leading to significant civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure. Within weeks, Poland was under occupation from both German and Soviet forces, as the Soviet Union invaded from the east on September 17 due to the aforementioned pact.The rapid fall of Poland raised alarms across Europe, illustrating the failure of appeasement strategies that had been adopted in the years leading up to the war. The swift and brutal nature of the invasion stunned the world, leading to immediate military responses from Britain and France, who declared war on Germany shortly thereafter, thereby marking the official commencement of World War II in Europe.