Poland Flashcards
(20 cards)
What event marked the invasion of Poland in September 1939?
Poland was invaded by both Germany and the USSR
How was Poland divided after the invasion?
Divided into three parts: one annexed by Germany, one by the USSR, and the General Government
What was the General Government?
Occupied region of Poland ruled entirely by German officers
Where did the Polish government flee after the invasion?
Established a Government in Exile in Paris, then London
What resistance group was coordinated by the Polish government in exile?
The Home Army
What other resistance groups developed in Poland?
Communist resistance groups
What major event did the Home Army launch in August 1944?
The Warsaw Uprising
What was the expectation of the Home Army during the Warsaw Uprising?
To receive assistance from the Red Army
What was the outcome of the Warsaw Uprising?
Failure of the uprising and eradication of the Home Army by the Nazis
What was established after the failure of the Warsaw Uprising?
Committee of National Liberation
Who held all key posts in the Committee of National Liberation?
Leaders of the Communist resistance
What significant event occurred at Yalta regarding Poland?
The Provisional Government of Poland was officially recognized
What actions did the Provisional Government take from 1945 to 1947?
Began removing opponents prior to elections
How were right-wing parties treated by the Provisional Government?
Labelled as traitors and Nazi collaborators; banned from running in the election
What happened to 16 leaders of the Home Army in March 1945?
Taken to Moscow and forced to confess to treason
What actions were taken against opposition parties?
Harassed and intimidated, except for those loyal to the Soviet Union
What did the new electoral law do regarding anti-government individuals?
Removed over 400,000 anti-government bandits from the electoral roll
What happened to members of the main opposition party in late 1946?
80,000 were imprisoned and 100 executed
What tactics were used to disqualify candidates in opposition areas?
Technical and legal pretenses
What was the result of the rigged elections?
Pro-Soviet parties received 80% of the vote
