As the integrity of Poland was increasingly threatened by the Nazi invasion in September 1939, President Ignacy Mościcki made the crucial decision to relocate the Polish government. With Warsaw under attack and the military situation deteriorating, Mościcki and his cabinet fled westward across the country towards the Romanian border, seeking asylum. This exodus marked a significant point in Polish history, symbolizing the desperation of the Polish state as it faced a powerful enemy. The government's flight was also characterized by a rapid and chaotic retreat, avoiding capture while attempting to maintain the continuity of Polish authority abroad.

Upon arriving in Romania, Mościcki and his government were initially well-received, though their future remained uncertain. Romania was also facing pressures from both the Nazis and the Soviet Union, who invaded Poland shortly after the Germans. The Polish government-established presence in Romania was meant to serve as a base for operations and diplomacy as they sought international support against the aggressors. However, Poland’s fate was increasingly seen as tied to the broader conflicts of World War II, including the shifting alliances and allegiances among European nations.

The government's flight underscored the dire circumstances facing Poland at the inception of World War II. The lack of resources, military support, and the overwhelming nature of the aggressors challenged Mościcki and his administration. Seeking to rally support and coordinate with the Allies, the Polish government-in-exile ultimately moved to France, and later to England, where they continued their fight against occupying forces, leading to a volatile but resilient Polish diaspora.