Fall of Warsaw: The Siege Concludes
September 28th, 1939
September 28th, 1939

How Long Ago?
85 years, 5 months, 15 days ago
Location
Warsaw, Poland
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
World War II
People
- Władysław Sikorski
- General Tadeusz Kutrzeba
- General Johannes Blaskowitz
Links & References
Tags
Fall of Warsaw: The Siege Concludes
The Siege of Warsaw, a critical conflict during World War II, ended as German forces captured the Polish capital. Lasting for over two weeks, Warsaw was subjected to intense bombardment and ground attacks. The city, fortified by Polish troops, valiantly defended against the overwhelming might of the Wehrmacht. The fall of Warsaw marked a significant moment in the early phase of the war, resulting in the swift subjugation of Poland. This development set the stage for further German advances into Europe.
Siege lasted from September 8 to 28, 1939.
German Luftwaffe conducted extensive bombing runs.
Polish defenders showed remarkable resilience.
Fall of Warsaw led to complete German occupation of Poland.
What Happened?
The Siege of Warsaw commenced on September 8 and concluded on September 28, 1939, following a relentless assault by German forces. As part of a rapid invasion of Poland that began on September 1, the siege rapidly intensified. The Wehrmacht deployed a combination of aerial bombardment and ground troop assaults to secure the city, which was a vital strategic point. Polish defense was fiercely organized, featuring a combination of military personnel and civilian volunteers who fought bravely to protect their city. Despite their resilience, the outdated equipment and the vast numerical superiority of German forces took a heavy toll on the defenders. The city faced severe destruction due to the bombing campaign, which aimed to demoralize its inhabitants and hasten surrender.On September 27, German troops breached the city’s defenses, leading to street fighting and chaos as they moved in to secure control. The Polish government and military leadership had already fled, and the situation became increasingly desperate for those who remained. By the end of September 28, the Polish flag was lowered, and Warsaw was officially under German control. This defeat not only resulted in the capture of a key city but also led to the solidification of German dominance in Central Europe early in World War II, prompting subsequent military campaigns throughout the region.
Why Does it Matter?
The fall of Warsaw was a critical turning point in World War II, marking the rapid expansion of German power in Europe. The capture underscored the effectiveness of Blitzkrieg tactics, which emphasized speed and surprise. The siege and its aftermath highlighted the weakness of Polish defenses and had lasting implications on subsequent military strategies in the war. The event also catalyzed the Polish resistance, fostering a spirit of determination that would endure throughout the occupation.
Discover More Historic Events from September 28th
Rotterdam Shootings Result in Multiple Fatalities
In Delfshaven, Rotterdam, a shooting and arson incident led to the deaths of two individuals. At the same time, a separate incident claimed a life inside a classroom at the Erasmus University Medical Center. The police responded swiftly to both locations, investigating the circumstances surrounding these violent acts and their implications for community safety.
Continue ReadingHurricane Ian Strikes Florida's Gulf Coast
Hurricane Ian made landfall in Cayo Costa State Park, Florida, as a category four hurricane, causing extensive damage and loss of life. With winds reaching up to 150 mph, it affected numerous communities and left substantial destruction in its wake. The storm led to 169 fatalities and an astonishing $113 billion in total damages, marking it as Florida's costliest hurricane on record.
Continue ReadingSulawesi Earthquake Triggers Deadly Tsunami
A powerful 7.5 Mw earthquake struck the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, prompting a massive tsunami that devastated the coastal area. Occurring in the late afternoon, the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.5 and caused severe damage in Palu and surrounding regions. The tsunami waves reached heights of over 6 meters, destroying villages and impacting thousands of lives. Emergency response teams faced challenges due to blocked roads and communication breakdowns, complicating relief efforts in the aftermath.
Continue ReadingMassive South Australian power outage event
A severe storm led to a statewide blackout in South Australia, affecting over 1.6 million residents. High winds knocked down power lines and electrical infrastructure, plunging large areas into darkness for up to three days. The blackout highlighted vulnerabilities in the state's energy grid, prompting discussions on energy security, renewable sources, and infrastructure resilience.
Continue ReadingHong Kong Protests Against Political Reforms
The 2014 Hong Kong protests erupted in response to proposed political reforms by the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing that many saw as limiting democratic processes. Thousands of activists and citizens gathered in Hong Kong, demanding full democracy and an election framework for the Chief Executive that would allow more candidates than the NPC-sanctioned options. The protests began peacefully in October, despite the government's opposition, and expanded across the city, capturing international attention and support.
Continue ReadingAssault on Kismayo by Somali Forces
Somali and African Union forces united in a campaign to reclaim the strategic port city of Kismayo from al-Shabaab militants. The coordinated assault involved ground troops and aerial support, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The city has been a vital hub for trade and military operations, and freeing it was crucial to help stabilize the region and diminish al-Shabaab's influence. The attack underscores the collaborative effort between Somali forces and the African Union in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
Continue Reading