Understanding the Limited Allied Response to Germany’s Invasion of Poland in 1939

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Germany-Soviet Pact
3. Allies’ Promise to Poland
4. Declaration of War and the Limited Response
5. Reasons for the Limited Allied Response
6. Unpreparedness and Settlements
7. The Allies’ Hope for Peace
8. Fear of German Superiority
9. Underestimation of Germany
10. Colonial Powers and Reluctance
11. Slow Mobilization and Equipment Issues
12. The Invasion of the Sarland
13. France’s Half-Hearted Offensive
14. Conclusion
15. Sponsor Acknowledgment
16. Closing Remarks

Introduction

In the summer of 1939, Europe stood on the brink of war, with Germany perceived as a significant threat to world peace. This period saw the signing of the Germany-Soviet Pact, a shocking alliance between historic rivals. When Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, the UK and France declared war on Germany. However, their response was limited and failed to stop the German advance. This article explores the reasons behind this limited Allied response.

The Germany-Soviet Pact

Germany’s surprising pact with the Soviet Union on August 23, 1939, caught the Allies off guard. Little did they know that this agreement included plans for the division of Eastern Europe, including Poland.

Allies’ Promise to Poland

The Allies had promised to declare war if Poland was attacked, and when Germany invaded Poland, the UK and France fulfilled this commitment on September 3, 1939. However, their response was far from a full-scale offensive.

Declaration of War and the Limited Response

Upon declaring war, both the Polish people and government expected massive support from their allies. Yet, the response was underwhelming, with only a minor invasion in the province of Sarland.

Reasons for the Limited Allied Response

Several factors contributed to this limited reaction:

1. Unpreparedness and Settlements: Neither France nor Britain were prepared for a conflict, having previously allowed Germany to annex Sudetenland in Czechoslovakia without resistance.

2. Hope for Peace: France and Britain were reluctant to engage in another large-scale conflict, and they hoped to avoid war until the last moment.

3. Fear of German Superiority: By mid-September, the Polish armies were severely defeated, and the Allies feared Germany’s military and aerial superiority.

4. Equipment Issues: Slow mobilization and equipment issues plagued the Allies. France had difficulty mobilizing its artillery, and Britain’s aircraft were ill-suited for the conflict.

5. Underestimation of Germany: Germany’s military strength was underestimated, as they only had 23 divisions on the western front compared to the Allies’ 110 divisions.

6. Colonial Powers and Reluctance: The UK and France, being colonial powers, were wary of facing powerful adversaries on multiple fronts.

7. Slow Mobilization and Equipment Issues: Both nations were ill-prepared for war, with equipment in storage and inadequate aircraft for the conflict.

8. The Invasion of the Sarland: France launched a half-hearted offensive into the Sarland, which ultimately failed to achieve its objectives.

Conclusion

The limited response by the UK and France to Germany’s invasion of Poland in September 1939 can be attributed to a combination of unpreparedness, hope for peace, fear of German superiority, underestimation of Germany, and the reluctance of colonial powers to engage in a major conflict.

Sponsor Acknowledgment

We would like to thank our sponsor, War Thunder, for their support in bringing you this article.

Closing Remarks

The events of those crucial weeks in 1939 had a profound impact on the course of history, ultimately leading to further conflict and the fall of France in 1940. Understanding the reasons behind the limited Allied response provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of that era.